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Problem-solving skills for kids | |||||
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So what is problem solving? � The ability to solve problems can be broken down into two separate but related parts. � Analysis: this is the ability to break a problem down into its sub-parts and look at these closely to see how they fit together. � Synthesis: having broken the problem down into its sub-parts, we then need to learn how to put the parts back again in such a way as to make sense of the original problem we are tackling. � The two aspects of problem-solving, analysis and synthesis, are vital steps towards a proper understanding of how to tackle problems.� However, it has been found that many young people have great difficulty applying these steps.� They fail to appreciate that problems can be broken down into more manageable blocks and tend to see them globally � as a whole � rather than in an analytical sense.� As parents and teachers there are a number of steps we can take to help children grasp this point. � |
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Self-assembly � If you have ever tried your hand at DIY you may well have fallen foul of �self assembly syndrome�.� That build-it-yourself furniture looks so easy to put together on the instruction sheet - but how many times have you found yourself with vital pieces missing, or, more worrying still, with some pieces left over.� A similar thing happens when you are trying to repair an item which has many parts which all depend on each other.� Examples like these make an excellent starting point for helping children recognise how problems, like everyday items, are invariably made up of smaller component parts. �
If you feel brave enough, you might be prepared to allow your child, under supervision, to experiment by taking apart various simple household items.� A simple toy makes a good starting point � or perhaps a broken utensil.� Notice how they go about taking it apart.� Is there a pattern to the way they work, or is it a random trial and error?� Do they make a �map� of where each piece comes from � or is it all in the mind?� When you ask them to put it together again, are all the parts assembled in the correct order?� If parts are left out or placed in the wrong position, why did this happen?� From simple exercises like this, children begin to grasp the principle that potential problems, if they are dismantled in a logical and systematic manner, can often be better understood � allowing them to be put back together in a way that enables them to work.� However, if there is no pattern or plan to the way the problem is tackled, there is substantially less chance of being able to solve it. � |
� CLUES A penknife Two 20p pieces A used cinema ticket A necklace A pack of chewing gum A baby�s dummy � �Detectives � This is a simple and fun activity.� Take a selection of everyday items like the ones listed here.� You could put them all in a bag.� Tell your children that they are detectives and these are the only clues they have to help identify a mystery person.� They have to use all the clues to build up a composite picture of who the owner might be.� Encourage them to examine each clue carefully and individually.� Try to stop them from jumping to conclusions based on only one or two of the clues � perhaps by presenting them with only one clue at a time.� This helps children to appreciate the importance of examining each part of a problem individually. � |
I�ll do as I�m told � Ask your child to write down as accurately as they can all the steps necessary to perform a simple task with which they are familiar (such as making a cup of tea).� They may prefer simply to tell you each step orally (perhaps as you write?) or to draw each stage (perhaps adding necessary notes).� Now carry out the task as literally as possible � allowing your child to observe you.� Do not carry out any steps which have not been listed, no matter how obvious. �
� You might encourage your child to comment on your performance.� Remember that any remarks they make about your ineptness are really an analysis of the accuracy of their own description.� Discuss the process with your child � preferably with huge dollops of good humour.� What can you learn together about the order in which the process needs to be carried out and the degree of detail required in the description. � |
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If your child is interested in science, take a look at the investigations in Sci-box � � |
Other articles to help you release your child's potential � Developing confidence in mathematics Developing self-esteem in your child � See also: � |
Puzzleboxx contains puzzles of all kinds to help develop children's problem-solving skills. � |
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