Problem Solving
Once Upon a Time in a Pigpen by Margaret Wise Brown
Grandpa’s Face by Eloise Greenfield
A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban
Inch by Inch, Swimmy by Leo Lionni
Imogene’s Antlers by David Small
Chocolate Fever by Robert Kimmel Smith
The Mitten by Alvin Tresselt
Problem solving draws upon our creativity. Creativity is built by coming up with lots of ideas. Here is an activity parents and children can enjoy at home together.
Take an ordinary paper clip:
Most of the time “clips” keep papers together. Instead, try to name five other ways to use paper clips.
Take an ordinary paper plate:
Most of the time we put food on this plate. Instead, think of five other ways to use this paper plate.
This activity is fun and it’s problem solving. The next time a problem, big or small, comes up, everyone at home will be ready with answers to the questions: “How may different ways can we solve this?”