Introducing Solve It, a game designed to teach elementary students essential problem-solving skills. In this blog post, we will discuss the game, provide a no-prep activity, offer discussion questions, mention related skills, and explore next steps for incorporating the game into your teaching repertoire.

Introduction

Solve It is a game that helps students develop problem-solving skills by breaking down problems into manageable steps. The game focuses on addressing everyday issues that students may encounter, making it relatable and engaging. The steps include identifying the problem, determining its size, brainstorming possible solutions, selecting a solution, trying the solution, and reassessing its effectiveness. By following these steps, students learn to approach problems systematically and adapt their strategies as needed.

No-Prep Activity

Here is a no-prep activity that you can use in your classroom to teach problem-solving skills using the Solve It game:

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
2. Present a common, age-appropriate problem to the class (e.g., forgetting lunch, missing a school bus, or having a disagreement with a friend).
3. Ask each group to discuss the problem and follow the steps of the Solve It game to find a solution.
4. After 10-15 minutes, have each group share their problem-solving process and solutions with the class.
5. Discuss the different approaches and solutions as a class, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability in problem-solving.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to stimulate further discussions about problem-solving skills:

• Why is it important to identify the problem before trying to solve it?
• How can determining the size of a problem help us in the problem-solving process?
• Why is it essential to brainstorm multiple solutions before choosing one?
• What are some strategies for reassessing a solution that didn’t work?
• How can practicing problem-solving skills help us in our daily lives?

Related Skills

Problem-solving skills are closely connected to other essential skills for students, such as:

• Communication: Effectively expressing thoughts and ideas during the problem-solving process.
• Collaboration: Working together with others to find solutions to problems.
• Critical thinking: Analyzing problems and potential solutions to make informed decisions.
• Adaptability: Adjusting to new situations and modifying strategies when needed.
• Resilience: Overcoming obstacles and learning from mistakes during the problem-solving process.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the Solve It game and its benefits, it’s time to integrate it into your teaching practice. To help you get started, we invite you to sign up for free samples of the Solve It game and other valuable resources. These materials will provide you with the tools you need to effectively teach problem-solving skills to your elementary students.