Lesson Plan
Puzzle Power Lesson Plan
Students will develop problem-solving skills by tackling engaging puzzles and collaborating in teams to plan, solve, and reflect on strategies used.
Building problem-solving strategies empowers students to approach academic challenges confidently, enhances critical thinking, and promotes teamwork in varied contexts.
Audience
2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Practice puzzles in teams, applying structured steps and reflection.
Materials
Puzzle Challenge Cards, Student Puzzle Worksheets, Group Reflection Worksheet, Whiteboard & Markers, and Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out enough sets of Puzzle Challenge Cards for each group
- Make copies of Student Puzzle Worksheets for each student
- Print Group Reflection Worksheet for each group
- Arrange tables into groups of 3–4 seats
- Set up whiteboard and markers
- Test the timer or stopwatch
Step 1
Introduction to Problem Solving
5 minutes
- Define problem solving and its importance in everyday life
- Introduce four steps: Identify, Plan, Solve, Check
- Display a sample puzzle on the whiteboard and model using the four steps
- Answer student questions before moving on
Step 2
Group Puzzle Challenge
15 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 3–4
- Distribute Puzzle Challenge Cards and Student Puzzle Worksheets
- Start the timer and have groups work collaboratively
- Encourage students to discuss each step of their strategy
- Circulate, observe, and provide hints as needed
Step 3
Reflection Activity
5 minutes
- Hand out Group Reflection Worksheet to each group
- Ask students to record the strategy they used, what worked well, and any challenges
- Prompt groups to discuss aloud as they fill in their reflections
Step 4
Class Debrief
5 minutes
- Invite groups to share their puzzle solution and strategy on the whiteboard
- List key strategies and approaches students used
- Highlight effective planning and checking steps
- Reinforce that multiple strategies can lead to success
Slide Deck
Puzzle Power
Problem-Solving Strategies for 2nd Graders
30-Minute Lesson
Welcome, everyone! Today we’re kicking off our Puzzle Power lesson. Introduce yourself and explain that we’ll learn problem-solving steps through fun puzzles.
Lesson Objectives
• Develop problem-solving skills
• Collaborate with classmates
• Reflect on strategies used
Read the objectives aloud. Ask students why problem solving might be helpful in class and at home.
4 Steps to Problem Solving
- Identify the problem
- Plan a strategy
- Solve the puzzle
- Check your solution
Explain each step clearly, using simple examples (e.g., finding a lost pencil).
Sample Puzzle Example
[Insert sample puzzle image here]
Let’s walk through the 4 steps together!
Show a simple sample puzzle (e.g., connect-the-dots or pattern block). Model each step: identify, plan, solve, check.
Group Puzzle Challenge
• Form groups of 3–4
• Use your Puzzle Challenge Cards & Worksheets
• Apply the 4 steps: Identify → Plan → Solve → Check
• Discuss each step with your team
• You have 15 minutes
Divide students into groups of 3–4. Hand out Puzzle Challenge Cards and Student Puzzle Worksheets. Start a 15-minute timer and circulate to offer hints.
Reflection Activity
• Record the strategy your group used
• Note what went well
• Identify any challenges faced
• Discuss as a team
Pass out the Group Reflection Worksheet. Prompt students to think about what worked and what was challenging.
Class Debrief
• Share your solution & strategy
• List key strategies on the board
• Highlight effective planning & checking
• Celebrate multiple approaches
Invite groups to share. Write their strategies on the board. Emphasize that different approaches can all lead to a correct answer.
Well Done!
Keep practicing problem solving every day!
Thank you for your hard work.
Congratulate students on their teamwork and perseverance. Encourage them to notice problem-solving opportunities around them.
Worksheet
Puzzle Challenge Cards
Use these cards in your group puzzle challenge. Each group picks a card and works together to solve the puzzle.
Card 1: Pattern Block Sequence
Puzzle: 🔺, ◼️, 🔺, ◼️, ___
Task: Which block comes next? Draw or write your answer.
Card 2: Simple Maze
#######
#S . #
# .#.#
# . .#
# ###F
#######
S = Start; F = Finish
Task: Draw a line from S to F without crossing any walls.
Card 3: Odd Shape Out
Shapes: Circle, Square, Rectangle, Triangle
Task: Which shape does not belong? Explain why in a sentence.
Card 4: Puzzle Addition
Puzzle: There are 3 boxes. One box has 2 puzzles, another has 3 puzzles, and the last has 4 puzzles.
Task: How many puzzles are there in all? Show your work below.
Worksheet
Student Puzzle Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________
Puzzle Card # (from Puzzle Challenge Cards): ________
1. Identify the Problem
What are you trying to find or do in this puzzle? Write the puzzle in your own words.
2. Plan Your Strategy
How will you solve the puzzle? Draw a picture, make a list, or write your steps before you begin.
3. Solve the Puzzle
Show your work here. Draw, write numbers, or illustrate your solution.
4. Check Your Solution
How do you know your answer is correct? Explain how you checked your work.
Use these steps for any puzzle you choose. Remember: Identify → Plan → Solve → Check! Good luck and have fun solving.
Worksheet
Group Reflection Worksheet
Group Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________
1. Puzzle Card # and Title
Which card did your group solve? Write the number and title here.
2. Strategy Used
Describe the steps your group took to solve the puzzle. Use words or simple pictures.
3. What Worked Well?
What part of your strategy helped you find the solution? Explain with details.
4. Challenges Faced
What was tricky or did not go as planned? How did you try to fix it?
5. If You Tried Again…
If you solved this puzzle again, what would you do differently?
6. Teamwork Reflection
How did your group work together? Describe one strength of your team and one way you helped each other.
Nice job reflecting! Use these ideas to become even better problem solvers next time.