To turn young kids into problem solvers, they just need exposure to lots of situations where they can practice solving actual problems. Thankfully, these kinds of situations arise constantly between younger kids. When you see such a situation unfold, always remember to ask kids, “how might YOU solve that problem?”.

“I have no more white paint!” “And how might you solve that problem?” “Um… I could ask Ms. Julie for more.”
“Scott won’t share glue with me!” “And how might you solve that problem?” “Uhh, I could ask him to share with me.”
“I spilled my water!” “And how might you solve that problem?” “I could clean it with some paper towel.”

If a kid says, “I have no more white paint!” and your reaction is automatically “Oh… Sorry! I’ll get more white paint for you,” then you are fixing things for him before he’s had a chance (or the need) to think critically for himself about next steps. Make kids own the next steps and you’ll be setting them up for a lifetime of creative problem-solving!

Source: My amazing sister Jamie who works with kids at Camp Galileo

Have you asked this question? How did it go? Do you have advice for how best to ask it? PLEASE RATE! AND WRITE A REVIEW (in the comment box below)!