Problem-solving activities for kids: Explore 24 fun problem-solving games and activities, and learn effective tips and strategies to teach kids problem-solving skills. If you want to explore problem-solving strategies more in-depth, you can also grab our workbook “Problem-Solving for Kids” (printable resource).
Problem-solving is the cognitive process of finding solutions to challenges or complex situations.
A systematic approach to problem-solving tends to include defining the problem, gathering information and data, generating potential solutions, evaluating the pros and cons of each solution, making a decision, and implementing the chosen solution.
Effective problem-solving often requires critical thinking, a good dose of creativity, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. It may also involve identifying patterns, breaking down a problem into manageable chunks, and applying our logic to develop solutions.
Problem-solving is present in everyday situations and across all fields: business, science, personal life, and education. There is not one single aspect in our lives where we don’t need to apply our problem-solving skills.
Table of Contents
- Problem-solving steps
- Development of problem-solving in childhood
- Benefits of developing problem-solving skills
- 10 Tips to teach kids problem-solving skills
- 10 Examples of problem-solving strategies
- 25 Problem-solving activities and games for kids
Some key components of problem-solving include:
- Identifying the problem
Recognizing and defining the issue or challenge that needs to be addressed.
- Analyzing the problem
Investigating and understanding the underlying causes, factors, and relationships related to the problem.
- Generating solutions
Generating potential solutions or strategies to address the problem.
- Evaluating all possible solutions (Pros and Cons Analysis)
Assessing the feasibility, effectiveness, and potential consequences of each solution. Considering the positive and negative aspects of each solution.
Selecting the best solution based on our analysis and judgment.
- Implementing the best solution
Actioning our chosen solution
- Monitoring progress and results
- Reflecting on the outcomes
Reviewing and evaluating the outcomes of the implemented solution, learning from the experience, and making adjustments if necessary.
Development of Problem-Solving Skills in Childhood
Children begin to develop problem-solving skills from a very early age, and these skills continue to develop and refine throughout childhood and adolescence.
Babies soon learn about action and reaction. And, as early as eight months, they begin to acquire an understanding of cause and effect (they shake a rattle, it makes a sound; they push a toy, it falls)
Between 13 and 24 months, they start solving simple problems through trial and error and engage in symbolic play using their imagination.
As children progress into middle childhood (ages 7-11), they develop more advanced problem-solving skills. They become capable of understanding multiple perspectives and can consider multiple factors when solving problems. They start using logic and reasoning to solve increasingly complex problems.
During adolescence (ages 12 and up), problem-solving skills continue to develop. Teenagers can generate and test hypotheses and use deductive and inductive reasoning to arrive at solutions.
Each child will develop their problem-solving skills at their own pace. Some children may show advanced problem-solving abilities at an earlier age. Others may require more time and experience to develop these skills fully.
Benefits of Developing Problem-Solving Skills in Children
Problem-solving skills in children are crucial for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. It equips them to approach challenges, think critically, make informed decisions, and find creative solutions.
The benefits of good problem-solving skills in children include:
- Positive impact on self-esteem and confidence
Identifying, analyzing, and solving their problems contributes to our kids’ sense of competence.
- Fosters Independence and Autonomy
When our kids are able to problem-solve on their own, they take one more step toward independence
- Academic Success
Problem-solving skills contribute to academic achievement, as they help students analyze and solve complex problems across various subjects.
- Cognitive Development
Problem-solving fosters cognitive skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and abstract reasoning.
- Critical Thinking
Problem-solving enhances critical thinking abilities, enabling children to evaluate information, identify biases, and make informed judgments.
Problem-solving promotes creativity by encouraging children to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and explore multiple solutions.
- Emotional Resilience
Problem-solving skills enhance emotional resilience by enabling children to manage and cope with challenges effectively, reducing stress and promoting well-being.
- Improved Social Interactions/Relationships
Problem-solving abilities contribute to better social interactions, conflict resolution, and peer collaboration, promoting healthy relationships.
- Future career success
Problem-solving skills are highly valued in the workplace and can positively influence future career success.
10+ Helpful Tips to Teach Kids Problem-Solving Skills
Teaching problem-solving skills to kids is an important part of their cognitive development. It helps them develop critical thinking, creativity, and resilience.
But how can we help our kids and students to develop this essential skill?
We can help our kids and students develop and improve their problem-solving skills in many ways. These are some helpful tips that you could consider:
- Model problem-solving behavior
When you see yourself in a problem-solving situation, verbalize your thought process:
“I wonder how I should address this issue. I guess my alternatives could be… They all have positives and negatives….”
- Let them participate in the problem-solving situation
“Could you help me solve this puzzle?”
- Provide real-life problem-solving situations
Real-life scenarios make problem-solving more meaningful for kids.
For example, discuss how to resolve a conflict with a sibling or how to make the morning routine smoother.
- Teach them how to break down problems
Show them how to break down complex problems into manageable sub-problems.
- Practice brainstorming
Create brainstorming situations where all the family (or the classroom) can contribute to solving a problem
- Teach the value of perseverance
Sometimes, we must stick to a situation and persevere before finding a solution.
Encourage kids to persevere through challenges and setbacks, emphasizing that mistakes and failures are opportunities for learning.
- Encourage critical thinking
Encourage kids to analyze situations, consider different perspectives, and evaluate possible outcomes.
- Ask open-ended questions
Ask for their opinions using open-ended questions where they can elaborate on their views and reasoning. Open-ended questions encourage kids to think critically and generate their own ideas.
Examples of open-ended questions could be:
- How could we make your school lunch healthier but still yummy?
- How could we reuse/recycle all this paper?
- What could we do to help you remember all the steps in your night routine?
- Encourage reflection
When they can find a solution for a problem, don’t jump to solve it for them. Encourage them to reflect on the problem and find and evaluate alternatives.
And after a problem is solved, think about the whole process and the learnings. “How did this work?” “What did you learn” “Do you need to change anything?”
- Foster creativity
Provide them with opportunities for imaginative play, creative projects, and brainstorming sessions.
- Teach the value of teamwork
Teach kids the importance of working together to solve problems. Engage them in group activities or projects that require teamwork and collaboration. This helps kids learn the value of different perspectives and work together towards an objective while they practice their communication skills.
- Teach decision-making skills
Teach kids how to approach problems systematically by going through the steps we have mentioned in our first section.
- Encourage both structured and free play.
Structured play can help you create good problem-solving situations, while free play will foster creativity.
Developing problem-solving skills is an ongoing process that will also continue in adulthood. Provide your kids with guidance and support, and celebrate their efforts and achievements along the way.
10 Examples of Problem-Solving Strategies
There are different strategies that can help us solve a wide range of problems. Here are some commonly recognized problem-solving strategies:
1.Trial and Error: This is the first problem strategy that we ever learn. We start using trial and error strategies in infancy, and it continues serving its purpose in many situations. This strategy involves trying different solutions or approaches and learning from the errors or failures until a successful solution is found.
2. Algorithm: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or a set of rules that guarantees a solution to a specific problem. It is a systematic approach to problem-solving that follows a predetermined set of instructions.
3. Heuristics: Heuristics are mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that help simplify problem-solving by providing quick and efficient strategies. While heuristics can be effective in many situations, they may also lead to biases and errors.
4. Divide and Conquer: This strategy involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable chunks or steps that make the overall problem easier to tackle.
5. Working Backwards: This strategy involves starting from the desired outcome and working backward to determine the steps or actions needed to reach that outcome. We often use this problem-solving strategy when we set goals.
6. Analogical Reasoning: Analogical reasoning involves drawing parallels between the current problem and a similar problem that has been solved in the past. By applying the solution from the previous problem to the current one, individuals can find a solution more efficiently.
7. Brainstorming: Brainstorming gets lots of brains working on the same problem. It is a great collaborative problem-solving strategy that can bring different perspectives and experiences to the table and may result in lots of creative ideas and solutions.
8. Decision Matrix: A decision matrix is a systematic approach to evaluating and comparing different options or solutions. It involves creating a matrix that lists alternatives and the criteria for evaluation. It assigns weights or scores to each criterion to come up with the optimal alternative.
9. Root Cause Analysis: Sometimes, we need to understand what is causing a problem before we can attempt to solve it, as different causes may require different approaches (for example, when you are sick, your doctor may need to understand what is causing the problem before prescribing a medicine)
10. Simulation and Modeling: Simulation involves creating a simplified representation or model of a problem situation to gain insights and test different scenarios.
Our choice of strategy will depend on the problem, available resources, and our own personal preferences and circumstances. We may also need to combine strategies or apply different ones to different aspects of a complex problem.
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Best Problem-Solving Activities for Kids
Play-based activities are centered around play and are designed to engage children in active learning and exploration. And fun problem-solving activities are a great way to develop children’s critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making skills.
In this section, we will review some problem-solving games and activities that will engage your kids’ critical-thinking skills and creativity.
1. Puzzle Games
Puzzles are a fun activity for children of all ages. Young children will enjoy simple puzzles, while older children (and adults!) can have fun with more complex ones. Encourage them to use logical thinking and problem-solving strategies to complete the puzzles.
A crossword is another fun type of puzzle and a good source of mental stimulation.
Sudoku is a popular logic-based puzzle that involves filling a grid with numbers.
It can be extremely easy or very challenging, adaptable even for young learners.
Let’s go now for a couple of building challenges!
4. Build the Tallest Tower
Give the child a set of materials (Legos, building blocks, wooden blocks, or other construction materials) and ask them to build the tallest tower they can. This simple game will encourage them to problem-solve as they build and figure out how to make the tower stable.
5. Build Towers with Different Materials
Ask your child to build three different towers with different materials. Then assess how stable they are and how much weight they can hold. Analyze the pros and cons of using each type of material.
6. Treasure Hunt
Set up a treasure hunt with clues leading to hidden objects or rewards. Children will have to follow the clues and solve puzzles to find the ultimate prize. This activity encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
7. Scavenger Hunt
Playing Scavenger Hunt can be a fun way for our kids to put their creative problem-solving skills to good use. Provide them with clues and puzzles that they must solve in order to find the next clue.
8. Mystery Bag
Fill a bag with random objects and ask children to come up with creative uses for each item. Encourage them to think outside the box and find innovative solutions.
9. Memory Game
While memory games primarily focus on memory retention and recall, they can indirectly contribute to problem-solving skills by developing cognitive abilities such as attention, information processing, and adjusting their strategies.
10. Role-Playing Scenarios
Create role-playing scenarios where children have to solve a problem or make decisions. For example, pretend to be stranded on a desert island and ask them to decide what items they will take and how they will survive.
11. Role-Play Social Situations
Work in developing social skills with social problem-solving situations.
12. Brainstorming Sessions
Choose a topic or problem and hold brainstorming sessions where children can generate as many ideas as possible. Encourage them not to limit themselves (even if alternatives feel unfeasible!)
13. Team Building Activities and Games
Engage children in team-building games like building a balloon tower. Each team member will need to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve together to complete the project.
14. Escape Rooms
An escape room is a super fun team problem-solving activity.
In an escape room, participants are locked inside a themed room and must work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and accomplish tasks within a given time limit in order to “escape” from the room.
15. Science Experiments
Conduct simple science experiments that involve problem-solving.
For example, in the classic “sink or float” experiment, children predict and test which objects will sink or float in water.
Problem-Solving Board Games
There are many board games that will test our kids problems solving activities. These are just a few examples:
Players must solve a murder mystery by deducing the murderer, the weapon used, and the location of the crime. Players collect and examine clues to eliminate possibilities and make logical deductions.
Another classic game where players are split into two teams and must guess words based on clues from their teammates.
There are many codenames games available, including themes like Disney or Harry Potter.
18. Mastermind Game
In this strategy game players take turns setting and solving secret codes
Scrabble is a classic word game where players form words on a game board using letter tiles.
Kids must use their problem-solving skills to analyze the available letters, consider the best word combination and strategically place those words to score the highest points.
Learning Problem-Solving with Card Games
Card games provide opportunities for kids to develop problem-solving skills such as strategy, memory, pattern recognition, decision-making, and observation.
Just a couple of examples:
Uno is a classic card game where kids match cards based on color or number. They need to assess their cards, strategize and make decisions about which cards to play to get rid of their cards while also considering the cards in their opponents’ hands.
21. Go Fish
Go Fish is a classic card game where players try to collect sets of cards by asking other players if they have specific cards. Players need to remember which cards they have and make decisions about who to ask and what sets to pursue.
22. Coding Challenges
Introduce children to coding activities using platforms like Scratch (or ScratchJr for younger kids), Code.org, or Tynker. Coding involves problem-solving and logical thinking, and children can create interactive stories, games, or animations.
23. Outdoor Problem Solving
Take children outside and present them with challenges that require problem-solving, such as building a shelter using natural materials or finding their way through an obstacle course.
24. Problem-Solving Worksheets
Help your child follow a systematic approach to problem-solving with these helpful worksheets
25. Goal-Setting Activities for Kids
Learning to set goals and make plans to achieve them is also a problem-solving activity. I have several resources to teach kids about goal-setting that I will list below:
Remember to provide guidance and support during these activities while encouraging children to think independently and come up with their own solutions.
Looking for kid-friendly examples of problem-solving strategies?
This workbook explores the following problem-solving strategies (with child-friendly examples and activities):
- Trial and Error
- Heuristics (Clever shortcuts)
- Divide and Conquer
- Working Backwards
- Decision Matrix
- Root Cause Analysis
- Systematic problem-solving