This poster can be used to help young children begin to learn problem-solving steps, and to teach parents and teachers how to support children in learning these strategies.
The first step in teaching children to problem-solve is to help them define the problem and the feelings associated with the problem. The second step is to come up with a solution to the problem, and the third step is to come up with more solutions. As children get older, they eventually are able to do the fourth and fifth problem-solving steps of evaluating solutions and choosing the best solution.
This problem-solving teaching will start by discussing hypothetical problems at non-stressful times. Then, adults can begin to prompt children’s use of these practiced skills to solve real-life problems when they occur.