Problem solving in Early Years Settings

Some early years practitioners struggle with the definition of problem solving. It is all about the process of working through ideas to reach a solution. It is also about processing information and evaluating ideas and concepts.

As children are constantly learning new ideas, skills and concepts, these will all help them develop their problem solving skills.  For those working in childcare it is important to remember that problem solving is not an activity it is the process in which children go through to find a solution.

Children need to be able to use their thinking skills and practitioner should encourage children think creatively. As well as all this learning the development of children’s language is fundamental as they need to be able to vocalise their thoughts. The development of language allows children interact with other s and share those ideas to help find the right solution

How can adults help support children’s problem solving skills

• Asking questions- adults need to use their skills to ask the right questions as these questions may hold the key to helping children solve that problem.
• Breaking down the task – Adults can help children break the task up to help them solve the problem in smaller steps.
• Scaffold the child’s learning – be careful not to answer the child’s questions yourself, questions should be open ended this will allow the children think, plan, predict, explain and recall as well as ask questions back.
• Listen attentively – practitioners should listen to children’s answers as this will show to the child that what they are thinking is important.
• Try not to overuse questioning.

Acting as an effective model is a key factor when supporting children’s problem solving skills, as children will look to adults for support and guidance.