Minds On

I can be a problem solver!

Explore the following images.

The previous images were all examples of problems.

  • What do you notice about each of these images?
  • What do you wonder?
  • What is the problem?

Record your thoughts.

Access the following audio recording to learn more about how to record your ideas.

How to Record Your Ideas

Action

Let’s solve problems!

In the Minds On section, we explored different examples of problems.

When there is a problem, we can think about how to solve or fix it to make things better. Let’s explore the images from the Minds On again, and solve each problem.

Problem A

A child playing with sand and mud. The child is crouched next to a tower of mud that has just fallen over.

The child’s sandcastle broke in half. The water is washing it away. What would you do to solve this problem?

Press Sample Answer to find one way the child can solve their problem.

One way to solve this problem is by being patient. This might mean taking a deep breath and building it away from the water.

Sometimes when we build things, they can fall over. But it’s important to keep trying.

A crouched child smiles while building a large tower out of sand and mud.

Problem B

A child looking up at a ball that has just gotten stuck in the branches of a tree.

Oh no! This child’s ball is stuck in the tree. What would you do to solve this problem?

Press Sample Answer to find one way the boy can solve their problem.

One way to solve this problem is to ask for help. This might mean finding a trusted adult.

They can help get the ball out of the tree safely.

A child smiles as an adult helps to get the child’s ball that is stuck in the branches of a tree.

Problem C

An unhappy child looking over at another group of children playing with blocks.

This child is feeling left out. She wants to play with the other kids. What would you do to solve this problem?

Press Sample Answer to find one way the boy can solve their problem.

One way to solve this problem is to share feelings. The child can share their feelings with the other kids and ask if they can play together.

Group of children smile and play together with blocks.

Problem D

Children sit and slouch on a bench looking unsure, while they think about what to draw.

This child notices her friend trying to figure out what to draw. They need help. What would you do to solve this problem?

Press Sample Answer to find one way the boy can solve their problem.

One way to solve this problem is to share ideas. The child can help her friend by sharing ideas about what to draw. They can even draw a picture together!

Two children show each other their matching drawings, as the smile at each other.

Let’s match!

Match the picture to the skill you would use to solve the problem.

Student Success

Think

When was the last time you solved a problem? What did you do?

Consolidation

Time to build!

It’s fun to solve all different kinds of problems. Sometimes we can solve a problem before it happens. This is called predicting.

Use any materials that you have in your learning space to build a structure.

Cushions, cardboard boxes, playdough, rolls of toilet paper, blocks, and paper cups.

Decide what structure you will build with the materials you have. Is it a tall tower or a small house? It’s up to you!

Predict what problems you could have when building your structure. Record these problems.

Next, think about how you might solve those problems.

Here are a few ways to solve problems that you learned about:

If possible, share your structure with a partner. Tell them about the problems you solved.

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Press the button next to the sentence that matches how you feel.

I feel…