Some necessary steps to problem-solving are:
- To ascertain the problem
- List the probable solutions or strategies of action
- Weigh the viable resolutions
- Choose a result to try
- Put the outcome into practice
- Assess the situation
Effective problem-solving techniques help avoid conflict in general, strengthen empathy skills and learn about positive attributes in others. Using these problem-solving techniques can be so crucial for their social and educational success.
Importance of Problem-Solving Skills in Children
Problem-solving skills in children are so important because it teaches a child about grit and creativity and allows them to manage obstacles and solve disagreements. This helps them face difficult school and individual problems as they grow which are beneficial in improving academic performance, boosting self-confidence and being ready to take on their desired profession. The earlier children get started on problem-solving skills, the readier they are to deal with larger challenges in the time to come.
Problem-solving is very important to a developing child as it helps provoke intellectual questions by utilising their creativity, promoting teamwork and better communication. It also increases their flexibility as children learn to solve different kinds of challenges through constant practice.
Problem-solving Improves Academic Performance
Problem-solving discernment by allowing children to better understand the types of problems they can solve and which ones should be best left alone.
Children have a deeper understanding of cause and effect by learning how to problem-solve. This allows them to make predictions or look for similar patterns boosting reflective and critical thinking.
Problem-solving also fosters practical and analytical thinking through the art of research, deliberation and argument. This helps children consider both sides of a question, discuss realistic situations and present finding clearly and eloquently.
Problem-Solving Builds Confidence
Effective problem-solving results in happier, confident and independent children especially when they tackle challenges on their own or through collaboration. It makes them resilient, look at problems from a fresh perspective and take calculated risks.
Children also develop greater situational and social awareness, learning to manage their time effectively and evolving into more patient beings. This helps them rely on creative thinking and enhances their sense of independence.
Problem-Solving Prepares Children for Careers
Children tend to appreciate lifelong learning when they problem-solve as it keeps them curious, motivated and innovative. Nowadays, employers are looking for imaginative new hires as they are facing challenges that are new in today’s society.
It begins with children envisioning a goal, identifying logical steps and planning. This also requires persistence and the ability to power through failure. Besides personal excellence, employers do require team players that encourage group problem-solving which help build leadership qualities.
3 Different Types of Toys to Develop Problem-Solving in Kids
Toys help children build and enhance problem-solving skills by providing one or multiple solutions like puzzles or building with blocks. Playful problem-solving experiences that toys offer also teach children that when a problem is not solved immediately, there is a lesson in trying again.
- Various puzzle sets like the Infinity Eights Pocket Puzzle is an exciting brain-teaser that provides endless hours of fun by disentangling the puzzle. This toy is designed to aid with concentration and focus whilst developing problem-solving, creative thinking and improves IQ. It also tests your patience and skills as you attempt to unlock the puzzle.
The Double Knotted Pocket Puzzle is another such toy that provides a sound challenge for any kid by trying to manoeuvre the pieces until you separate them.
The Coil Tail Pocket Puzzle is a metal brain teaser with wire pieces twisted together for your child to unravel.
- Games like the Aujourd'hui C'est Mercredi Tumbling Tower is ideal for hours of fun, stimulate dexterity and develops motor skills. It requires concentration and is perfect for the outdoors and to take on trips playing with family and friends.
The Travel 4-In-A Row Game is a classic childhood game that teaches social skills, patience as well as basic numeracy.
The Wooden Animal Train is a great way to push your child’s fine motor skills and spatial awareness. This is an extremely safe toy without added toxins.
- Jigsaw puzzles are timeless and make for a great gift. For example, the Les Grands Explorateurs 150pc Mini Puzzle is beautiful and showcases watercolour illustrations of animals found in the arctic. It is full of intricate details that will build on children’s concentration and observation skills.
The 65 Piece Oval Puzzle in Box represents an iconic French character and is made from cardboard. It is presented in a beautiful pink box and is an ideal activity to boost concentration and observation.
The 96 Piece Ocean Puzzle has beautiful watercolour illustrations representing all things under the sea. It also comes with a poster to help younger children put it together as well as a magnifying glass to observe the details a little closer. Picture descriptions on the back of the poster help in recognising different texts both in English and French to enrich a kid’s vocabulary. This game comes beautifully packaged and requires patience and concentration to develop observation and coordination skills that are suitable for children above the age of 5 years of age.
