Problem solving activities for 7 year olds
15 Fun Activities To Teach Problem Solving To Kids
Problem-solving skills help children efficiently manage difficult moments in their lives.
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Children receive numerous opportunities to learn about the world as they get older. However, they also regularly encounter problems, whether it is peer pressure, difficult arithmetic calculations, or disagreements with their peers. The benefits of problem-solving skills for kids are numerous and can help them effectively deal with such situations.
They will learn to find practical solutions independently without relying on an adult. Further, when they encounter difficulties, they will be more confident in their ability to employ their problem-solving skills and develop innovative solutions on their own.
Read this post to know the importance of problem-solving abilities for children, how to inculcate this skill in them, and for some exercises to help them develop this essential skill.
Importance Of Problem-Solving Skills For Kids
Problem-solving benefits children in numerous ways. It helps them
- Cope with challenges in everyday life.
- Make effective decisions.
- Pick up other skills, such as cooperation, critical thinking, and collaboration along the way.
- Resolve problems without breaking them down.
- Think outside the box.
- Become more independent.
Did you know?
Kids with better problem-solving abilities can grasp complex concepts and lessons more effectively, leading to academic progress.
Related: 31 Fun And Interesting Challenges For Kids To Try
How To Inculcate Problem-Solving Skills In Children
Here are a few ways to encourage your child to utilize their problem-solving skills.
1. Test it out
Whenever your child encounters a problem, ask them to acknowledge it and embrace the challenge. If the outcome is not effective, they can try out different approaches. This will encourage your child to look at a problem from different angles.
2. Ask for advice
Sometimes, you may struggle to make decisions in your everyday life.
For instance, you might struggle to decide what to cook for dinner or what to wear to the movies. Ask your children to help you make these simple decisions. When you ask them for their advice, it teaches them that they’re not the only ones who face problems. When you value their ideas, it will give them the confidence to solve problems independently.
3. Take a deep breath
One of the first steps to effective problem solving is remaining calm. Even with youngsters, when their emotions go out of hand, it’s difficult to look at things rationally, and the tendency to make impulsive decisions becomes higher. It’s important to teach your child to take deep breaths every time they feel they’re losing control of their emotions. Once they’re calm, they can assess the situation better.
Related: How To Build Confidence In Kids: 15 Tips And 6 Activities
4. Verbalize the problem
It would help your child if they verbally express how they feel and what they’re struggling with after calming down.
It helps them gain perspective and makes it easier for them to come up with potential solutions.
Point to consider
Make your child say what they think aloud. It will give you an idea about your child’s thought process as they try to find a solution.
5. Don’t provide “the answer”
While it’s difficult to watch your children struggle with an issue, do not give them the answer outright. Instead, give them hints to help them solve the problem independently. This way, they can learn to come up with creative solutions independently.
6. Lead by example
Children are like sponges and pick up things very quickly. So, when you confront a problem and come up with an effective solution, they’ll notice how you address issues and try to emulate you.
7. Allow natural consequences to unfold
Sometimes, letting the problem run its course is the best way to deal with it. So, when your child is faced with a problem, let them be. Let’s suppose your child spent all their weekly allowance in a day or two; let them go the entire week without allowance.
This will set them up to make better choices in the future.
15 Problem-Solving Activities For Kids
There’s no better way to learn than through play. The following activities are quite fun and require children to display their problem-solving skills.
1. Puzzles
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One of the best problem-solving activities for children is puzzles. They come in various difficulty levels. Based on your child’s age, you can pick the appropriate one. Give them a puzzle, and they will learn to analyze the problem/question, find different ways of solving it, and arrive at the solution.
Additionally, the activity will help improve their critical-thinking skills, gross motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.
Point to ponder
Children may get frustrated when they cannot solve a puzzle quickly. However, encourage them to work through these feelings and complete the task. It will help them develop persistence and teach them the importance of not giving up.
2. Scavenger hunt
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One of the educational activities that every parent should introduce to their children is scavenger hunt. It is an inexpensive, easy, fun activity that can be done both indoors and outdoors and requires nothing more than the items you already have at home. The activity allows children to think outside the box. Without being aware, they’re learning problem-solving skills in a fun way.
Related: 20 Indoor And Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas For Kids
3. Storybooks
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Reading offers a plethora of benefits. One of them is problem-solving. When children read stories, they come across various characters and the roles they play. Most often, children get attached to these characters. So, when they come across a problem, ask them how their favorite character would have solved it. Encourage them to come up with a variety of solutions and discuss the possible outcomes of each.
4. Crafts
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Engaging them in arts and crafts is another excellent way to teach children problem-solving skills.
Give your child a variety of materials lying around the house. Let them come up with all sorts of exciting creations or repair broken toys or gadgets. Allow them to work independently, and guide them only when they are out of ideas.
5. Open-ended questions
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Asking open-ended questions is an excellent way to improve your child’s ability to think creatively and critically and improve their problem-solving skills. With these questions, there’s no right or wrong answer, and the answer goes beyond a simple ‘no’ or ‘yes.’ They have to put some thought into their answers. Here are a few questions you can ask after each session.
- What was difficult? What was easy?
- What did you learn?
- What do you think will happen next?
- How did you arrive at the solution?
- What would you do differently the next time?
Related: 400+ Get-To-Know-You Questions For Kids To Ask Each Other
6. Maze
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Mazes are fun and safe for all age groups.
When they work on mazes, it makes them think. The activity also improves their motor skills, observational skills, sense of direction, and problem-solving skills. Think beyond book mazes – you can find many maze games on the web. With practice, they’ll get better at finding their way out. Eventually, you can give them more complex mazes to solve.
7. Mini treasure hunt
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Treasure hunt is one game that can get the entire family involved. You can keep their minds at work, especially if they know they’re going to win something in the end. Give them clues that encourage them to think outside the box and use their problem-solving skills to find the treasure in the end. Here are a few hints you could use to let them find the treasure:
- My job is to put an end to your sleep. I do so with a beep, buzz, or music. (Ans: alarm clock)
- I don’t have a face or arms, but I have hands that move at a steady pace. (Ans: Clock)
- I’m filled with soft feathers, and it’s quite impossible for you to sleep without me.
(Ans: Pillow/blanket) - Use me to clean your car in a jiffy or to give plants a drink. (Ans: Water hose)
8. Building with toys
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Give your children LEGO blocks, wooden blocks, engineering blocks, etc., and make them build whatever they wish. Building with toys requires your child to think about what to build and how to put the pieces together and come up with creative solutions to ensure it’s a functional design. You can once in a way ask them to build something challenging, such as a creature with three arms or two towers with a joining bridge. Watch them rack their brains as they try to come up with a structure.
9. Wool web
Give the children a multi-colored yarn and ask them to stand in a circle. One person loops the ball of yarn across a finger and passes it to another person. Once every person gets a chance to hold the ball and loop the yarn across their finger, a web would be created.
Now, blindfold one member and ask them to follow the verbal instructions of the others to unwind the web.
This group activity involves teamwork, focus, patience, coordination, concentration, and problem-solving skills to figure a way out.
10. The human knot
It is a simple game that’s extremely fun. In this game, you need a group of children. Make the children form a circle and raise their hands. Start with one player, who has to use their right hand to hold onto a player’s hand from across the circle and their left hand onto someone else’s hand. Check if everyone has held both hands with different players. Now, without breaking the circle, they must untangle themselves. The challenge is complete once everyone’s hands are free and they are back in the circle.
11. Impromptu skits
Divide the players into teams. Write down different scenarios, such as dealing with bullying in school or resolving a fight between siblings, on pieces of paper, fold them, and place them in a bowl. Each team/player picks a chit and acts out the scenario. You can give them a time limit to prepare.
Such impromptu activities help children identify a problem, formulate a solution, and execute it.
12. Group drawing
Another excellent team-building activity for sharpening children’s problem-solving skills is group drawing. Divide children into teams of three. Each of the three players in the team has a role to play.
One person is the drawer, who takes directions from the instructor to attempt to create a design. They should stand with their back to the instructor and viewer and must not talk.
Next is the instructor. The instructor is the one who gives out verbal instructions as to how the drawer must draw a particular design.
The viewer looks at the design. But, they’re not allowed to talk and can only communicate with the instructor via gestures.
You have a winner when the viewer is satisfied with the drawer’s picture. You can let the children take turns playing different roles.
13. Clue me in
Clue me in is a fun detective game that encourages cognitive development, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Start by selecting five to six target answers, such as a public figure, animal, historical event, social trend, or profession. Now, collect five to ten items associated with each target answer. They can be pictures from the Internet too. Place them in different bags.
Now decide how many clues a child can pick before making a guess. If it’s two, let the child pick up two clues from a bag and make their first guess. See who’s able to answer the quickest.
14. Survivor scenarios
Here’s another game that doesn’t require any items. In this game, you have to create pretend-play scenarios for children, and they have to analyze and think out of the box to solve. For instance, give them this scenario, “You’re stuck on an island, and you know help will not come for two days. How will you create a shelter for yourself with items around you?” This encourages them to think about different scenarios and find solutions to get out of the situation.
15. Moral dilemma
Children often find themselves in a dilemma.
This simple game, without their knowledge, will help them cope with such scenarios. On pieces of paper, write down different dilemmas, such as ‘The cashier gave me $1 extra in change; what should I do?’ or ‘I saw my friend bullying someone at school. Should I stop them or let them be?’ Then fold it up and place it in a bowl. Get each child to pick one piece of paper, read it aloud, and come up with creative solutions on the spot to handle the situation.
1. At what age do children begin problem-solving?
Children are believed to acquire the basics of problem-solving by age three. But it is not refined since it is intervened by short attention span and difficulty in understanding the problems on their own. Their problem-solving skills develop as they grow up (1).
2. What are three problem-solving strategies?
The three common problem-solving strategies are (2):
- Trial and error: Trying different ways to solve a problem until it is resolved
- Algorithm: Following a step-by-step formula to solve the problem
- Heuristic: Following a problem-solving framework such as breaking it into steps
Problems are a part of life, and the sooner children learn to tackle them, the better.
Problem-solving for kids is an important skill because it helps them cope with everyday difficulties, challenges them to think differently and learn more critical thinking skills. You may teach problem-solving skills to your children by encouraging them to share their problems, driving them to find their answers, or setting a good example. You can also involve them in problem-solving activities, such as puzzles, scavenger hunts, and mazes. Your focused efforts will help your children grow independent and confident in their skills.
Key Pointers
- Problem-solving skills teach kids to think out of the box and independently cope with life’s challenges.
- Guiding them to acknowledge the problem and letting them solve the problem themselves could teach problem-solving skills in children.
- Puzzles, scavenger hunts, mazes, and many more fun and engaging activities to hone your child’s problem-solving skills as you scroll down.
References:
- ACADEMIC AND FUNCTIONAL LITERACY Outcome Component 2: Demonstrates Competence in Problem Solving;
https://cals.
arizona.edu/sfcs/cyfernet/nowg/academic_component2.html - Problem Solving;
https://opentext.wsu.edu/psych205/chapter/7-4-problem-solving/
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17 Fun Problem Solving Activities for Kids
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As a child, I would spend hours putting together puzzles… whether it was 3-D puzzles or figuring out a crossword. I also loved it when teachers would give the class an open-ended question and we had to work in groups to figure out the answer in our own way.
Even something as simple as playing checkers with my brothers gave me the chance to use strategy as a way to win the game. I honestly believe that it’s so important for kids to solve problems at a young age, as it helps them think critically and outside the box.
What You Will Learn
- So, Why Is It Important To Teach Kids Problem Solving?
- 17 Fun Problem-Solving Activities for Kids
- 1. Marble Mazes
- 2. The Tower Challenge
- 3. The Egg Drop Challenge
- 4. The Penny Drop Challenge
- 5. The Balloon Race Challenge
- 6. The Marshmallow Challenge
- 7. The Balloon Pop Challenge
- 8. Picture Pieces Puzzle Game
- 9. Copy the Block Model
- 10. Team Scavenger Hunt
- 11. Obstacle Course
- 12. Reading Storybooks
- 13. Ask Them Open-Ended Questions
- 14. Build Various Structures with Toys
- 15. Acting Out Skits
- 16. Solving Moral Dilemmas
- 17. Animal Pairing Game
- How Problem Solving in Childhood Helps in Adulthood
- Final Thoughts About Fun Problem Solving Activities For Kids
So, Why Is It Important To Teach Kids Problem Solving?
I think these kinds of activities are so important for kids to do because it helps them learn how to think analytically and solve problems on their own.
It's a great way to get kids to use their imaginations and be creative.
Rote memorization simply does not have the same effect. This type of learning is great for learning facts like historical dates, but it’s not going to help kids figure out how events in history happened and the results.
We take these problem-solving skills into college, the workforce, and travel. My ability to problem solve since childhood has certainly got me through many sticky situations while in a new city or country.
Additionally, problem-solving helps children learn how to find creative solutions to challenges they may face both in and out of the classroom. These activities can also be fun and used in cohesion with school or playtime.
17 Fun Problem-Solving Activities for Kids
1. Marble Mazes
This activity was selected because it requires them to think spatially. Spatial learning will benefit kids when they start driving, riding a bike, playing sports,etc.
To do this activity in its simplest form, you will need a piece of paper, a pencil, and some marbles. First, draw a maze on a piece of paper using a pencil.
Make sure to create a start and finish point. Then, place the marbles at the start of the maze. The goal is to get the marbles from the start to the finish by tilting the paper and using gravity to guide the marbles through the maze.
Another example of a marble maze can involve using toilet paper rolls taped together to create a three-dimensional maze. The larger the maze, the harder you can make it.
Check Price on Amazon!
If you are not into the DIY method, you can always buy a toy maze on Amazon. A good 48 piece puzzle is the Melissa & Doug Underwater Ocean Floor puzzle.
2. The Tower Challenge
Building a tower gives kids the chance to think about gravity, structure, and balance.
To do this activity, you will need some building materials like legos, blocks, or even toilet paper rolls.
The challenge is to see how high they can stack the materials without the tower toppling over.
This can be done individually or in teams. An activity like this is good for younger kids and is the building block to learning about harder topics like engineering.
3. The Egg Drop Challenge
The egg drop challenge helps kids learn how to engineer a solution that prevents something from breaking. It requires them to think critically about which materials will best protect something fragile like an egg when dropped from a height.
To do this activity, you will need some eggs and various materials such as straws, cotton balls, bubble wrap, etc. The goal is to construct a device that will protect an egg from breaking upon impact.
This can be done individually or in teams. Teams can even have a competition for the best egg drop device.
As children begin handling, shopping for, and cooking their own food, activities like this will help them understand how to handle breakable items like bottles, eggs, delicate fruit,.
etc. Ideally, this is best for age groups 8 and up.
4. The Penny Drop Challenge
This activity was selected because it requires kids to think about physics and how different materials affect sound.
To do this activity, you will need a penny ( or another coin), a cup, and various materials such as paper towels, cotton balls, etc.
The goal is to drop the penny into the cup without making any noise. Begin by placing different materials into the cup and then drop the penny into it. The children should also drop the penny from different heights into the same material to see if/how the impact from a higher drop affects sound.
Group kids into teams or let them try it on their own.
Kids should make note of what type of sounds are made when the penny hits different materials. This is a great activity for kids who are interested in science and physics.
5. The Balloon Race Challenge
This activity was selected because it helps kids learn about aerodynamics and Bernoulli’s principle.
It also requires them to think creatively about how to design a balloon-powered vehicle.
To do this activity, you will need balloons, straws, masking tape, and markers. The goal is to design a balloon-powered vehicle that can travel a distance of at least 10 feet. Kids can begin this activity by sketching out their designs on paper.
After they have a basic design, they can begin building their vehicle from various materials. Then kids can explain why they think the balloon traveled or did not travel as far as it did.
6. The Marshmallow Challenge
Marshmallows are not only delicious, but they are also soft and malleable. So kids can have fun using it for some construction projects.
This activity was selected because it requires kids to think creatively about how to build a structure using limited materials. It also helps them learn about engineering and work as a team.
To do this activity, you will need marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. The goal is to build the tallest free-standing structure possible using only marshmallows and spaghetti noodles.
If you don't have spaghetti noodles, use something similar like pretzel sticks.
You may even want to establish certain rules like each team can only use a certain number of marshmallows or noodles. A time limit can also make it more fun and challenging.
For more fun activities, check out our post on problem solving exercises for team building.
7. The Balloon Pop Challenge
If you remember your childhood, you probably remember popping balloons for fun at times. But this activity is different because it requires kids to use strategy and critical thinking.
This activity was selected because it helps kids learn about patterns and problem-solving. It is also a lot of fun for kids who like popping balloons. The goal is to create a device that will allow them to pop a balloon without using their hands.
To do this activity, you will need balloons and various materials such as straws, string, paper clips, etc.
8. Picture Pieces Puzzle Game
As mentioned earlier, puzzles are a great pastime – especially in childhood.
Kids must think critically about how to put the pieces together to create a certain picture. It also helps them learn about shapes, colors, and other concepts.
You can take a medium to large picture and cut it into pieces. If you have younger kids, you may want to make the pieces larger. However, if you have kids closer to the 8-11 age range, you should be able to provide a challenge and make the pieces smaller.
9. Copy the Block Model
For this challenge, you can build a model out of blocks for the kids to copy. Put kids into groups and make sure each group has the same number of blocks you used for your model.
Make your model block as simple or complex as needed for your child's age group.
Set a time limit and make sure each group starts at the same time.
10. Team Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is great for kids because they have to search for items and use investigative skills.
It is also a lot of fun and can be done both indoors and outdoors.
To do this activity, you will need to create a list of items for the kids to find. The items can be anything from common household items to things you would find outside.
These types of activities can also revolve around a theme like a holiday, movie, or book. For example, if the kids are fans of “Harry Potter” you can make a list of items to find that are related to the movie.
11. Obstacle Course
This activity requires kids to think creatively about how to get from one point to another while maneuvering around obstacles. If you have outdoor space, this can be done with common objects such as hula hoops, cones, etc.
If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can use common household items to create an indoor obstacle course. For example, you can use chairs, blankets, pillows, etc.
Begin by setting up the course and then timing each child as they complete it. You can also have them race against each other to make it more fun.
Obstacle courses are also great because kids get to be physically active while they are thinking critically.
12. Reading StorybooksThere are many great benefits for kids that read storybooks. One of the excellent benefits is the ability to problem-solve. When they read the stories in the books, they see scenarios that cause them to be attached to the various characters they read about.
So, when they encounter a real-life problem, it is often productive to ask a child how their favorite character would solve that problem. Your kids can also be encouraged to come up with various options and possible outcomes for some of the situations they may encounter.
This not only helps kids solve various problems but become more independent as well.
13. Ask Them Open-Ended QuestionsA good way to improve a child's ability to think critically and creatively and improve their ability to solve problems is by asking open-ended questions.
It also helps them to develop healthy personalities.
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. In addition, the solution requires more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Furthermore, it allows kids to put some extra thought into their responses.
Here are some examples of open-ended questions you may want to ask.
- What did this experience teach you?
- Was this easy? What was easy about it?
- What this difficult? What is complicated about it?
- What may happen next in this situation?
- How did you come to this solution?
- What, if anything, would you do differently next time?
- What can we do to make things more fun next time?
Whether wooden blocks, LEGO blocks, or engineering blocks… giving your kid blocks to build whatever their minds can dream up is fun. In addition, it requires them to think about how they will make a structure, put the pieces together, and creatively ensure the building's function and design.
You may also want to challenge them to build something more complicated and watch them use their brain power to make it happen.
15. Acting Out SkitsImpromptu activities like acting out skits help kids identify problems, develop solutions, and execute them. This process works with multiple kids being divided into teams.
First, you will want to write down different situations, such as resolving a disagreement between siblings or dealing with bullying on the playground on a piece of paper. Second, you will fold the paper and place it in a hat or bowl.
Third, each team will pick a scenario out of the hat. Finally, you can give the kids a few minutes to discuss their solution and act out.
16. Solving Moral DilemmasIn this simple game, you will help your kids solve simple dilemmas they may find themselves in.
You could write down a situation your child may find themselves in and help them learn the moral way to solve the problem.
For instance, “The cashier gave them an additional $5 change back on my purchase. What should they do?” Another scenario could be, “I saw my friend cheating on a test. Should I tell on them or let it go?” A third one could be, “I caught my friends stealing some gum from the store. What should I do?”
After writing down the dilemmas and placing them in a bowl, get each child to select one and read it aloud. Finally, you will help them devise morally correct solutions to the moral dilemma.
17. Animal Pairing GameThis is a fun and creative game to help your kids with focus, critical thinking, and team building skills. In addition, this activity requires an even number of players to participate (4, 6, 8, etc.)
Before starting the game, you will want to write the names of different animals twice, each on a separate slip of paper.
Then pass out the slips of paper to each individual or team member, instructing them not to share with anyone the name of the animal they received.
Then the children will perform activities the animals might do without talking or making sounds. Some of these activities might include:
- The way the animal cleans or grooms itself
- The way the animal sleeps
- The way the animal fights
- The way the animal eats or drinks
- The way the animal walks or runs
The goal is for each child to successfully pair up with the other child who has selected the same animal.
How Problem Solving in Childhood Helps in Adulthood
Children are not born with problem-solving skills. It is something that needs to be learned and developed over time.
From babies who learn how to communicate their needs to toddlers who figure out how to get what they want, to children who are starting to understand the consequences of their actions – problem-solving is a process that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood.
Some of the benefits of teaching problem-solving skills to children include:
- Improved critical thinking skills
- Better decision-making skills
- Enhanced creativity
- Improved communication and collaboration skills
- Increased confidence
There are many ways to teach problem-solving skills to children. The activities mentioned above are just a few examples. It is important to find activities that are appropriate for the age and abilities of the child.
With practice, children will develop these skills and be better prepared to face challenges in both childhood and adulthood.
Final Thoughts About Fun Problem Solving Activities For Kids
These are just a few ideas to get you started on teaching your child crucial problem solving skills. Perhaps they’ve inspired to come with some of your own, or seek out others? The important thing is to make sure the activity is age-appropriate and challenging enough to engage the kids.
Problem-solving skills are important for kids to learn because they can be applied to various situations in life. These skills also promote critical thinking, which is an important life skill.
There are many other problem-solving activities for kids out there. In time, you’ll find the ones that work best for your child. And be sure not to forget about your own needs and self-improvement, both of which will make you a better parent and mentor. Here are some useful activities for adults to get your started.
Finally, if you want to level up your parenting skills, then check out this resource that will show you how to get your kids to listen WITHOUT yelling, nagging, or losing control.
Mathematics for children aged 7-8
Parents play no less a role in teaching a child than school teachers. Of course, examples and tasks in mathematics for children of 7 years old seem quite simple to adults. But understanding the task and sharing your own knowledge are not the same thing.
Online math exercises for a child of 7 years old, presented in the corresponding section, are designed to help in the development of a small student and improve their assimilation of new material. Education on the Razumeikin website will make it possible to interest the child in the world of numbers and facilitate the process of his adaptation to school. nine0003
Math assignments for children 7 years old introduce children to the numbers of the second ten. Coping with them, kids learn to count without going through a dozen and with going through a dozen. In addition, the guys master the account within a hundred. Developing tasks in the section "Mathematics for children 8 years old" will be interesting and useful for students in grades 1-2. By completing them, the guys will be able to work out and consolidate the material covered.
Tasks-tests in mathematics for children 7 years old allow you to master this exact science in the form of an educational game. While developing the exercises, the specialists of the Razumeykin website tried to make them not only as understandable and exciting as possible, but also really useful in practical terms.
For each task for children 7 years old in mathematics, a detailed explanation is provided. You can find it in the training video before the exercise. An appropriate explanation for tasks in mathematics for preschoolers, schoolchildren 7 years old and older is also provided in a situation where the child gave an incorrect or insufficiently complete answer. nine0003
How is the training material delivered?
To make the educational games in the section "Mathematics for children 7 years old" easy for young fidgets and be really interesting, the staff of the site "Razumeykin" supplemented each exercise with thematic pictures. In addition, they have audio accompaniment, and some tasks even involve the motor sphere. All tasks-games in the section "Mathematics for children 7-8 years old" can be completed online.
How are results evaluated? nine0009
Specialists of the developing site "Razumeikin" have developed a whole system of rewards. Coping with tasks in mathematics, preschoolers, schoolchildren 7 years old and older children receive virtual awards.
Our website provides medals, cups, pennants and diplomas. We are convinced that in this way it is possible to increase the interest of children in independent learning and develop positive motivation.
Almost all tasks-games in the section "Mathematics for children 8 years old" are evaluated depending on the attempt at which the child gave the correct answer. If necessary, the guys can return to the exercise done. By completing it again, young students will be able to improve the previous result and become owners of a higher reward. nine0003
Is your child ready to start learning? We recommend that you get tested first. The results obtained will help to understand which topics will need to be discussed in more detail. In addition, parents will be able to determine which exercises in the section "Math for children of 8 years old" are best done first.
Teaching children aged 6-7 to solve arithmetic problems | Methodological development in mathematics on the topic:
Topic of methodological development:
"Teaching children aged 6-7 years to solve arithmetic problems".
This methodological development can be used by teachers working with children of six to seven years old in the system of additional education or in preschool educational institutions, as well as by interested parents in preparing the child for school. The development contains specific materials and instructions for organizing and conducting training sessions.
The purpose of this methodological development: to convey to teachers working with children of six to seven years old modern approaches to learning to solve problems. Show the possibility of using different types of tasks in practice, apply the modeling method when solving them, teach children to put several questions to one task. nine0003
Author of Shekhovtsova Inna Anatolyevna
Educator of additional education
municipal budgetary educational institution
Additional education of children
House of Children's Creativity “Constellation”
Krasnodar
2016
Modeling - the main method
solving arithmetic problems.
The development of new programs and teaching methods is an urgent task of psychological and pedagogical science and the practice of teaching children. The development of the cognitive sphere of the child involves the introduction of modern teaching methods. These methods today include modeling, which is widely used in teaching preschoolers to solve arithmetic problems. The use of modeling as the main method of solving problems allows children to separate the main from the minor, to understand connections and relationships, and as a result, to learn how to solve arithmetic problems of various types. Using this educational development material, the teacher will teach preschoolers to solve arithmetic problems, and the learning process itself will be fun, exciting and will not seem boring. nine0003
The child's solution of arithmetic problems is formed as a concept of the arithmetic operations of addition or subtraction.
Solving arithmetic problems is not an end in itself, but a means of developing thinking, awareness of the surrounding reality, the path to understanding the world.
The use of visualization is one of the most important conditions for understanding the structure of a task, a sense of reality, and the relevance of mathematics in everyday life. nine0003
The visibility of an arithmetic task can be represented by various objects, illustrations, conditionally - schematic images, models, which are a means for identifying and highlighting the values included in the task, as well as a means for establishing a connection between them.
Object illustrations create ideas about the situation described in the problem, which helps the child to choose the necessary action, with the help of which it will be solved. Subject illustrations are widely used at the beginning of training, then they are gradually replaced by various conventionally schematic models, diagrams. nine0003
Modeling as a type of work with children gives scope for the development of their creativity, imagination, thinking. The purpose of the modeling method is to ensure that children learn the structure of the task, the connections and relationships between numerical data.
First, children create models together with an adult, and then on their own. Models help the preschooler materialize mathematical relationships.
Learning to model takes enough time to develop the ability to solve problems, since it is this that contributes to the mathematical development of the child. Modeling is a joint activity of an adult and a preschooler, involving the replacement of real objects with conditional drawings, diagrams, etc. Before children begin to get acquainted with the modeling method, they are offered tasks - dramatization, tasks based on the actions of the child, tasks based on illustrations. nine0003
The main attention at this stage of training is given to familiarization with the structure of the problem, the ability to select numerical data, establish relationships between them, name and perform arithmetic operations of addition and subtraction. The solution of such problems is based on the perception of specific sets and does not cause difficulties for children.
But this stage is necessary in order to then proceed to solving problems using the modeling method.
To solve a problem means to perform the arithmetic operation chosen when drawing up the solution plan. The child is asked to necessarily tell what he finds when performing some other action.
The solution of any problem is first performed orally, and then in writing. The teacher pays attention not only to the ability to perform mathematical analysis of text tasks, to identify connections and relationships between a condition and a question, but also to the ability to represent these connections in the form of conditionally schematic models. nine0003
One of the areas of mathematical development of children is the mastery of mathematical terminology. When conducting classes, one should strive to ensure that children answer the questions posed and independently compose arithmetic problems: the more diverse in content such tasks are, the better.
The famous mathematician V.
I. Arnold wrote that mathematics is not the addition and subtraction of huge numbers. Mathematics is the correctness and accuracy of speech. nine0003
Guidelines
Teaching children to solve arithmetic problems is offered based on the experience of their previous learning, subject-effective and visual-figurative thinking of preschoolers. It is the arithmetic task that helps children to understand the mathematical foundations, to find out the relationships in the life around them. In order to answer the question of how exactly one should teach how to solve a problem, one must have an idea of the problem itself. The arithmetic task is a coherent laconic story in which there are several values (in preschool age, as a rule, two), and the child is proposed to find an unknown one, which depends on the data and is connected with them with certain relations specified in the condition. nine0003
In each task, its main parts are distinguished:
- Verbal presentation.
- Numeric values.
- Question (which asks for an unknown value).
- Solution.
- Answer.
Solving a problem involves a series of sequential actions.
1. Perception and analysis of the task. Children must understand the situation described in the condition, be able to highlight and remember numerical data, the condition and the question of the task. nine0003
The following techniques are used for this purpose: questions are asked on the content of the problem (what do we know? What do we need to know?)
2. Poisage solutions to the problem: using reasoning from the question to data (what to know? What needs to be done for this ?), from data to a question (what do we know? what can we learn?), by building a model.
All this helps children to realize what action solves the problem.
3. Solving a problem and finding an answer. nine0003
This can be done by laying out the solution to the problem using various objects and counting them, creating a conditionally schematic model, etc.
4. Checking the correctness of the solution to the problem.
Children, guided by the explanations of an adult, establish whether they solved the problem correctly or incorrectly. The simplest version of checking the completion of a task is when the teacher says what answer should be when solving this problem. You can offer children to count objects, points and models and independently determine whether they solved the problem correctly. After finishing the work, it is necessary to encourage all the children and try to understand why this or that task caused difficulty. nine0003
Tasks - dramatizations
As a rule, objects are used to solve them, on which children perform practical actions. The solution of such problems is based on subject-effective thinking.
Acquaintance with the arithmetic problem for addition
Tasks:
- Give an idea about the arithmetic problem and its components (condition, question, solution, answer).
- Learn to answer questions, formulate an arithmetic operation.
nine0084 - Solve problems to find the sum.
- Understand the need for a recount action to determine the total number of items.
Equipment: five pyramids, six cars (you can use any other toys).
Tasks and questions:
Vanya put three pyramids on my table on the left, and Anya put one pyramid on the right. Are there more or fewer pyramids on the table after Anya placed another pyramid? (More). nine0003
Based on the actions of Anya and Vanya, we can create a task: Vanya put three pyramids on the table, and Anya one. How many pyramids are on the table? (4).
The teacher makes up the problem, and the children solve it. The task consists of a condition: this is what Anya and Vanya did. Vanya put three pyramids on the table, and Anya one. The teacher does not say how many pyramids they put together, but asks the question: how many pyramids were on the table? Children answer. nine0003
To answer the question, you need to solve the problem.
How did the number four come about? (To three they added one, it turned out four).
How else can you find out how many pyramids are on the table? (They can be counted).
For greater clarity, you should call a child who will count the pyramids.
Let's try to make one more problem.
Vanya put four cars on my table on the left, and Anya put one on the right. nine0003
Who can tell what Vanya and Anya did? (Vanya put four cars on the table, and Anya put one).
Who says we don't know yet? What can you ask about? (Children ask questions). How many cars are on the table? (five).
How did the number five come about? (To four they added one, it turned out five).
How else can you find out how many cars are on the table? (They can be counted).
Call the child to count the cars on the table and clarify that there are five of them. nine0003
It is necessary to conduct as many similar classes as necessary for children to assimilate the structure of the task and the meaning of the arithmetic operation.
Acquaintance with the arithmetic subtraction problem
Tasks:
- Give an idea about the arithmetic problem and its components (condition, question, solution, answer).
- Learn to answer questions, formulate an arithmetic operation.
- Solve problems to find the remainder. nine0084
- Understand the need for a count action to determine the total number of items.
Equipment: six dolls or any other toys.
Tasks and questions:
Masha, put five dolls on the table, and you, Anya, take two dolls from the table and put them in the doll corner.
Tell us what did Masha and Anya do? (Masha put five dolls on the table, and Anya took two and put them in the doll corner.)
Do you think there were more or less dolls on the table after Anya took two? (Less.)
You told what Masha and Anya did, i.e. you made up the condition of the task: what we know. What else can we find out? (How many dolls are left on the table?)
Who can repeat the task? (Masha put five dolls on the table, and Anya took two and put them in the doll corner.
How many dolls were left on the table?)
To find out the answer, this problem must be solved. How will you solve the problem? (Subtract two from five, you get three. Subtract two from five, you get three).
How else can you find out how many dolls are on the table? (They can be counted).
Call the child to count the dolls on the table and clarify that there are three of them.
It is necessary to conduct as many similar activities as necessary in order for children to learn the structure of the problem and the meaning of the arithmetic operation. nine0003
The number of games - dramatizations offered to children depends on how soon they learn the structure of the problem, understand the relationship between numbers, the meaning of the question, learn how to explain the correct answer from the problem and solve it.
When getting acquainted with tasks - dramatizations, numerical cards, numbers, mathematical signs are used.
Acquaintance with the arithmetic addition problem based on the actions of children
Tasks:
- Continue to introduce the arithmetic problem and its components (condition, question, solution, answer).
- Learn to answer questions, formulate an arithmetic operation.
- Solve the problem of finding the sum.
- Understand the need to recount to determine the total number of items.
- Read the mathematical expression for solving the problem.
Equipment: 10 pieces of geometric shapes for each child, numbers, signs +, -, =. nine0003
Tasks and questions:
Place five circles and three triangles on the table in front of you.
Tell me what did you do? (They put five circles and three triangles on the table).
What word can you call what you told about? (Condition).
Ask a question about the condition of the problem. (How many geometric shapes are on the table?)
Repeat the problem. (I put five circles and three triangles on the table. How many geometric figures are on the table?)
Answer the problem question. (eight).
How can you know if this is the correct answer? (Count the pieces on the table).
Count them and tell me how many pieces are on the table? (eight).
Well done! You correctly solved the problem.
The solution of the problem can be laid out in numbers and mathematical signs on the table or on the board.
How many circles did you put on the table? (five).
(Put the number 5 on the board). nine0003
How many triangles did you put on the table? (3).
(Put the number 3 on the board).
What sign should be put between these numbers and why? (The + sign because we need to know the total number of shapes).
(Place on the board between the numbers 5 and 3 the + sign).
Which sign helps to find out what happened in the answer to the problem? (Sign =).
(Place on the board the sign = and the number 8). nine0003
Read the math expression. (5+3=8).
Acquaintance with the arithmetic subtraction problem based on the actions of children
Tasks:
- Learn to answer questions, formulate an arithmetic operation.
- Solve the problem of finding the remainder.
- Understand the need to recount to determine the total number of items. nine0084
- Read the mathematical expression for solving the problem.
Equipment: 10 pieces of geometric shapes for each child, numbers, signs +, -, =.
Tasks and questions:
Put ten squares on the table.
Now remove three squares.
Make a task according to your actions. (First, ten squares were placed on the table, then three were removed. How many squares were left on the table?)
Answer the question of the task. (7).
How did the number 7 come about? (Three were subtracted from ten, it turned out seven).
Invite the children to lay out the solution to the problem using numbers and signs and ask them to read the mathematical expression. (10-3=7).
How can you check whether you have solved the problem correctly? (Count the squares on the table).
Children count the squares and make sure that the problem is solved correctly.
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The number of tasks - dramatizations, tasks on the actions of children depends on the level of development of the children of the group, on their previous education. As soon as preschoolers learn to solve problems, isolate its constituent parts and explain their actions, they can move on to solving more complex arithmetic problems without much difficulty.
Learning involves understanding the learning task and the ability to solve it independently. With this approach to learning, the child becomes the subject of his own activity, and not the object of pedagogical influence on the part of an adult, which is very important for preparing for further education at the school of the future first grader. nine0003
Solving problems in the mind
Purpose: to teach to solve problems of different types without using visualization.
Solving problems of different types without using visibility at this stage of training becomes possible, since according to the experience of previous classes, the child understood the principle of modeling, in which the images (they used the preschooler in the learning process) were generalized.
Tasks.
1. Mom bought Anya two dolls, and Vanya three cars. How many toys did mother buy for children?
2. Nine cherries hung on a branch. Katya picked two. How many cherries are left on the branch?
3. Five cows and three horses were grazing in the meadow. How many animals grazed in the meadow?
4. There were seven candies in the vase. Misha took three. How many candies are left in the vase?
5. There were customers in the store. When three customers entered the street, there were four of them left in the store. How many customers were in the store? nine0003
6. Passengers were traveling in a fixed-route taxi. When two passengers got out of it, five remained in the taxi. How many passengers were in the taxi?
7. There were pyramids and four cars on the table. In total, there were nine toys on the table. How many pyramids were on the table?
8. Ten sparrows were sitting on a branch. After some time, several sparrows flew away and three birds remained on the branch.
How many sparrows have flown away?
9. Mom bought nine apples. She gave a few pieces to Tanya, and she had seven apples left. How many apples did mother give Tanya?
10. The vase contained maple leaves and three oak leaves. In total, there were eight leaves in the vase. How many maple leaves were in the vase?
11. There were five bears on the top shelf, and three on the bottom one. How many more bears were on the top shelf than on the bottom?
12. A hen has seven yellow chicks and three black chicks. How many fewer black chickens does a hen have than yellow ones? nine0003
Conclusion: The foundations of knowledge that a child will need so much at school are laid down as early as preschool age. Mathematics is one of the rather difficult disciplines that can cause certain difficulties during schooling. Moreover, one should not forget that not all children have a mathematical mindset, therefore, when preparing for school, it is simply necessary to introduce the child to the modeling method, which contributes to learning to solve arithmetic problems.
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Today, the issue of teaching children to solve arithmetic problems is relevant both in the light of preparation for the school and in terms of their mathematical development, therefore, methodological development determines the goals and objectives of teaching problems, contains recommendations for teaching arithmetic problems (what to do and how to do and how to do and how to do and how do), as well as practical material (with the help of what to do), presented in the form of a visual handout. nine0003
Used literature
M., 2007
2. Mikhailova Z.A. “Game entertaining tasks for preschoolers”, M., 2002
3. Nikitin B.P. “Developing games” M., 2002
4. Vilenkin N. L., Peterson L. G. “Mathematics “ M., 2002
5. Peterson L.G., Kochamasova E. E. “Player“ M., 2004
6. Venger L.A., Dyachenko M. O. “Games and exercises for the development of mental abilities of children“ M “M ., 2001
7. Bondarenko A.K. “Didactic games in kindergarten” M.
