Lesson Plan
Solving Puzzles Together!
Students will be able to identify a simple problem and propose a solution with peer support.
Problem-solving is a crucial life skill that empowers children to navigate challenges and build resilience from a young age. This lesson helps them practice these skills in a supportive group setting.
Audience
Kindergarten
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and a collaborative group activity.
Materials
Small puzzles (e.g., 4-6 piece puzzles), Drawing supplies (crayons, paper), Problem-Solving Slides, Problem-Solving Discussion Guide, and Draw Your Solution Activity
Prep
Gather Materials & Review
5 minutes
- Gather a few simple, age-appropriate puzzles (4-6 pieces).
* Prepare drawing supplies: crayons and paper for each student.
* Review the Problem-Solving Slides to familiarize yourself with the content.
* Read through the Problem-Solving Discussion Guide to prepare for leading the conversation.
* Review the instructions for the Draw Your Solution Activity.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's a Problem?
3 minutes
- Begin with a quick discussion using the Problem-Solving Slides (Slide 1-2).
* Use the Problem-Solving Discussion Guide to help facilitate this part, asking students: "What is a 'problem'?" and "Can you think of a tiny problem you've had today?"
Step 2
Introducing Solutions
3 minutes
- Transition to discussing solutions using Problem-Solving Slides (Slide 3-4).
* Explain that for every problem, there can be many solutions.
* Use the Problem-Solving Discussion Guide to guide the conversation on how to find solutions to simple problems.
Step 3
Activity: Draw Your Solution
7 minutes
- Introduce the Draw Your Solution Activity.
* Explain the problem to the students (e.g., "Your block tower keeps falling down!").
* Distribute paper and crayons and instruct students to draw their solution to the problem.
* As students finish, have them share their drawings and explain their solutions with the small group.
Step 4
Wrap-Up
2 minutes
- Gather students' attention and briefly recap the lesson.
* Ask: "What did we learn about problems and solutions today?"
* Reinforce that it's okay to have problems, and it's fun to find solutions together!
Slide Deck
What's a Problem?
Have you ever had a challenge?
Something that made you stop and think?
That's a problem!
Welcome students and introduce the idea of problems. Ask them what they think a 'problem' is. Encourage simple, everyday examples.
Problems Around Us
A toy is stuck!
I don't know what to draw.
My tower fell down.
These are all small problems!
Give a few very simple examples children might relate to, like a toy being stuck or not knowing which color crayon to use.
Finding Solutions!
For every problem, we can find a solution!
A solution is a way to fix a problem.
It makes things better!
Transition to solutions. Emphasize that problems aren't bad, they just need us to think! Introduce the idea of finding ways to fix or solve problems.
How Can We Solve It?
Toy stuck? Wiggle it! Ask a friend!
Don't know what to draw? Pick a favorite color! Ask a teacher for an idea!
Tower fell down? Try again! Build it stronger!
Provide examples of solutions for the problems mentioned earlier. For the stuck toy, suggest wiggling it or asking for help. For drawing, suggest picking a favorite color or asking a friend for an idea.
Script
Problem-Solving Discussion Guide
Introduction to Problems (3 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something we all do every day: solving problems!"
Teacher: "Can anyone tell me what a 'problem' is? What does it mean when you have a problem? Don't worry, there are no wrong answers!"
Teacher: "That's right! A problem is like a little challenge or something that makes us stop and think. It's when something isn't quite right, and we need to figure out how to make it better."
Teacher: "Can you think of a tiny problem you've had today, maybe at home or even on your way to school? For example, maybe your shoelace came untied, or you couldn't find your favorite toy."
Teacher: "Great examples! Those are all common little problems we face."
Introducing Solutions (3 minutes)
Teacher: "Now, when we have a problem, we don't just stop there, do we? We try to solve it! A solution is a way to fix a problem, to make things better."
Teacher: "Let's think about some of the problems we just talked about. If your shoelace came untied, what would be a solution?"
Teacher: "Yes! Tying it would be a great solution! Or maybe asking a grown-up for help. Both are good ways to solve that problem."
Teacher: "What if you couldn't find your favorite toy? What could you do to solve that problem?"
Teacher: "Excellent ideas! You could look in your toy box, ask a family member, or even retrace your steps. See? There are often many ways to solve one problem!"
Teacher: "Today, we're going to practice identifying problems and thinking of solutions. We'll use our super-smart brains to figure things out together!"
Activity
Draw Your Solution Activity
Instructions for Students:
Today, we've talked about what problems are and how we can find solutions. Now it's your turn to be a problem-solver!
Listen carefully to the problem your teacher will share. After you hear the problem, you will draw a picture of your idea for a solution. Remember, there are many ways to solve a problem, so your idea is a great one!
The Problem:
Oh no! You're trying to build a tall tower with blocks, but every time you get it really high, it falls down!
What is one way you could solve this problem? Draw your solution in the space below.
After Drawing:
When you are finished drawing your solution, be ready to share your picture with your group and explain your idea! We will all learn from each other's amazing problem-solving brains!