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Check Out These 50 Kindergarten Math Word Problems of the Day

Sue has 5 markers. Tom has 3 markers.

Opening your daily math lesson with a word problem of the day is an excellent way to set the stage for learning! Incorporate them at the start of your math block to build confidence, critical thinking skills, and a learning community. Students will get used to reading for meaning, while also identifying key information. Encourage students to write out equations and draw pictures to explain their thinking, since this helps them see the light when they are stuck!

Topics in these kindergarten math word problems cover addition, subtraction, comparison, number sense, comparing numbers, and measurement. Want this entire set of kindergarten math word problems in one easy document? Get your free PowerPoint bundle by submitting your email here . All you need to do is post one of the problems on your whiteboard or projector screen. Then let kids take it from there.

50 Kindergarten Math Word Problems

1. sue has 2 markers. tom has 3 markers. how many markers do they have all together.

2. There are 4 red blocks on the rug. There are 4 yellow blocks on the rug. How many blocks are on the rug in all?

3. Sam has 3 marbles. Tim gave Sam 1 marble. How many marbles does Sam have now?

4. One cat is in the yard. 4 more cats come into the yard. How many cats are in the yard now?

5. Jill had 7 toy cars. She got 3 more for her birthday. How many toy cars does Jill have now?

6. Ava has 2 more books than Lucy. Lucy has 6 books. How many books does Ava have?

7. There are 7 red chairs and 2 green chairs at the table. How many chairs are at the table all together?

8. Pete put 2 pencils in his desk. There were 3 pencils in there already. How many pencils are in Pete’s desk now?

9. Tina has 4 jackets at home and 2 jackets at school. How many jackets does Tina have in all?

10. Bob has 5 more stamps than Bill. Bill has 2 stamps. How many stamps does Bob have?

11. James has 5 flowers. He gives Lisa 3 flowers. How many flowers does James have left?

12. 8 birds were on the playground. 5 birds flew away. How many birds are still on the playground?

13. Karen had 4 peanuts. She ate 3 of them. How many peanuts does Karen have left?

14. There are 6 boxes on the truck. 4 boxes are blue. The rest are green. How many boxes are green?

15. Frank has 7 donuts. If he gives 3 away, how many donuts will he have left?

16. Tim had 5 balls at home. He took 1 ball to school. How many balls did he leave at home?

17. There are 10 pieces of fruit in the bowl. 2 are apples. The rest of the fruit are oranges. How many oranges are in the bowl?

18. Kris has 5 stickers. She gives Dave 4 of her stickers. How many stickers does Kris have left?

19. Lisa drew 4 pictures. Kelly drew 6 pictures. Who drew more pictures? How many more?

20. Malik has 10 balls of clay. He gives 10 of the clay balls to Rob. How many clay balls does Malik have now?

21. Sara wants to make 8 cards. She already made 4 of them. How many more cards does Sara need to make?

22. The class sang 5 songs. They want to sing 10 songs. How many more songs does the class want to sing?

23. Rose had some beads on her bracelet. She got 3 more beads and put them on. Now she has 6 beads all together. How many beads did Rose have at the start?

24. Mr. Jones had 4 pens. He bought some more pens. Now he has 6 pens. How many pens did he buy?

25. Lilly has 3 pink hats, 2 white hats, and 1 purple hat. How many hats does Lilly have in all?

26. Pat has 4 erasers. Ken has 2 erasers. Jason has 2 erasers. How many erasers do they have all together?

27. There were some animals in the barnyard. There were 5 goats, 4 cows, and 1 sheep. How many animals were in the barnyard all together?

28. South Street has some houses on it. 3 houses are blue, 1 house is gray, and 4 houses are white. How many houses are on South Street?

29. Meg has a cat, 2 dogs, and a parrot. How many pets does Meg have?

30. Ken likes to plant trees. He planted 7 pine trees, 2 oak trees, and 0 spruce trees. How many trees did Ken plant all together?

31. Ms. Matho gave her class this pattern and asked them to finish it: 3, 4, 5, 6, __, __. What should the last two numbers be?

32. Ian has a pattern on his shirt. It was blue stripe, red stripe, blue stripe, red stripe. What color is the next stripe?

33. The countdown started. The class called out, “10, 9, 8, 7, 6…” What were the next two numbers they called out?

34. Joan was counting her socks by two’s. She had 4 pair of socks. How many socks is that all together?

35. Faith’s hat has a letter pattern on it. It goes A,B,C, A,B,C. What letter comes after B in the pattern?

36. Larry has 12 stamps. Barry has 11 stamps. Who has more stamps?

37. There were 20 yellow backpacks. There were 19 blue backpacks. Which color were most of the backpacks?

38. Jessica had some crayons. Pam had 15 crayons. Jessica had 2 more crayons than Pam. How many crayons did Jessica have?

39. Stan had 14 pennies. Dave had 9 pennies. Who had less pennies?

40. Beth was 8 years old. Her sister, Lori was 10 years old. Who is older? How much older?

41. The stick was 10 inches long. It was painted red and white. 5 inches of the stick were red. How much of the stick was white?

42. Frisky the cat weighs 6 pounds. Mittens the cat weighs 9 pounds. Which cat weighs more? How much more?

43. 17 is Chan’s lucky number. The number that comes before Chan’s is Ming’s lucky number. What is Ming’s lucky number?

44. The buses are all lined up in number order. The #12 bus is Juan’s bus. What number bus comes right after Juan’s bus?

45. Stacey practiced soccer for 6 hours last week. Emily practiced soccer for 4 hours last week. Who practiced soccer longer? How much longer?

46. Mrs. Tang’s class got 18 new books from the book fair. Mr. Smith’s class got 15 new books from the book fair. Which class got more new books from the book fair?

47. There are 10 children at the lunch table. 4 are boys. The rest are girls. How many children at the lunch table are girls?

48. The doors in the school are in number order. Carol is in Room #11. Delia is in the room right before Carol’s. What room is Delia in?

49. There are 3 boxes. The pink box has 4 balls in it. The orange box has 2 balls in it. The black box has 2 more balls than the pink box. Which box has the most balls? How many are in that box?

50. Jon likes to draw. He does 1 drawing every day after school. How many drawings does he do every week?

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70 Fun Math Questions for Kids

Are you looking for fun math questions to ask your kids? If so, this list is a great way to get started.

Here, you will find a combination of word problems, brain teasers, and grade level math talks for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade.

Kids used to think of a math question as a trick – being nearly impossible to find the correct answer or solve the math equation how they were expected to.

With the new wave of mathematic standards, teachers are finding a creative way to encourage and support kids through difficult problems.

Kindergarten Math Questions

Basic math skills start prior to kindergarten. Sorting and counting with your kids are the best ways to begin teaching the basic concept of number sense.  

During early kindergarten, young kids find math fun.

A typical kindergarten curriculum will start off with classic games to teach shapes, position words, a simple number sequence, and numbers to 5. 

Towards the second half of the year, kindergarten aged students will begin learning problem solving with addition and subtraction. 

Kindergarten Math Talk Questions

Here are some examples of the questions used in the Kindergarten Math Talks for the first half of the school year.

These math talks are the perfect way to get the kids engaged in good conversations about any math concept.

• How many crayons can fit in a box?
• How many wheels are on a bus?
• Estimate how many tissues are in a box.
• How many books can you fit in your backpack?
• Look around the room.  How many chairs do you see?
• A gingerbread man has two eyes.  If there were 4 gingerbread men, how many eyes would there be?
• Tell me a number more than 4 and less than 11.
• How many colors are in the rainbow?
• There are 3 friends playing in the rain.  How many rainboots do they need?
• How many pockets are you wearing today?
• Which would you rather use to measure a Christmas tree: a roll of ribbon, or a candy cane? Why?

Kindergarten Addition and Subtraction Story Problems:

Below are some simple story problems for a math lesson to review basic math facts. 

🔢 Noah has eight pop-its and Elijah has two pop-its. How many pop-its do they have all together?

🔢 Three red marbles and three green marbles are on the table. How many marbles are on the table?

🔢 There are four small marshmallows and two big marshmallows. How many marshmallows are there all together?

🔢 Ben has four peaches. Sarah has three peaches. How many peaches do they have in all?

🔢 William has three oranges. Michael has four more oranges than William. How many oranges does Michael have?

🔢 James has three marbles. James gives two marbles to Mason. How many marbles does James have left now?

🔢 William has equal toys as Bobby. Bobby has two toys. How many toys does William have?

🔢 Four marbles are in the basket. Three are red and the rest are green. How many marbles are green?

🔢 Ben has 8 crayons. He gives 7 crayons to Mia. How many crayons does Ben have left?

🔢 Brad has seven rocks. Noah has five fewer rocks than Brad. How many rocks does Noah have?

🔢 Two pizzas are on the table. If 4 kids eat pizza, how much will be left? How do you know?

🔢 Nine balls are in the basket. Three balls are taken out of the basket. How many balls are left in the basket?

🔢 Nineteen peaches are on the table. Then Allison bumps into the table, and six peaches fall off. How many peaches are left on the table?

First Grade Fun Math Questions

In 1st grade, the math teacher will review the basic math facts, such as identifying and writing numbers to 20, counting sets of objects, one more one less, and tens frames.

Throughout the year, easy math riddles and fun games can be used as a fun way to teach math.

Here are samples from the open-ended math talk cards in the First Grade Math Talks bundle. They are perfect for kids who have a hard time with problem-solving skills.

As they hear their peers express their strategies, it gives them strategies without feeling they have to solve hard math problems.

The most important part of teaching math in elementary school is to encourage critical thinking – not the traditional “only one way to solve a problem” thinking.  

First Grade Math Talk Questions

Here are some examples from the First Grade Math Talk collection. 

Again, these are open-ended math questions to focus more on problem solving and critical thinking rather than a right/wrong answer. 

🔢 It’s time to play a board game. Which spinner do you want? The one with 2 numbers, or the spinner with 6 numbers. Why?

🔢 Which takes more snow to build: One igloo or 20 snowballs?

🔢 What is a number more than 50 and less than 62?

🔢 What do you notice about this number sequence: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35?

🔢 We have a box of 25 crayons. Is that even or odd?

🔢 Which would take less time: cleaning your room or reading a book?

🔢 What shapes do you see around the classroom?

1st Grade Addition Story Problems:

🔢 In the fridge, there are 4 stacks of chocolate puddings, 7 stacks of brownies, and 5 stacks of pasta salad. How many stacks of dessert are there?

🔢 There are 9 pots of noodle soup and 8 pots of vegetable soup. How many pots of soup are there?

🔢 There are 4 girls on the swings and 6 boys on the slide. How many kids are on the playground?

🔢 We are going on a field trip. 15 kids packed sandwiches. 3 kids packed lunchables. How many lunches will we take on the field trip?

🔢 Write the addition sentence that fits this: “Skyler read 15 books. 7 were Dogman books, and 8 were Junie B. Jones books.”

1st Grade Telling Time Questions:

🔢 School starts at 9 o’clock in the morning and ends 6 hours later. What time does school end?

🔢 The second recess is at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, which is 2 hours after the first recess. When is the first recess?

🔢 The principal started a meeting on Monday at 10 o’clock in the morning. The meeting ended at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. How long was the meeting?

🔢 All students left the school at 3 o’clock. The teacher stayed for 3 more hours. When did the teacher leave school?

🔢 The kids went on a field trip at 9:00 am. It took them 2 hours to see everything and get back to school. What time do you think they got back?

1st Grade Measurement Questions:

There are measurement questions in each set of the First Grade Math Talks . 

Those questions are open-ended and are based on the pictures used on the cards and slides. 

The questions below, however, are more straight forward and are asking for a specific answer. 

🔢 Jacob’s scissors are 7 inches long. Sean’s scissors are 2 inches shorter than Jacob’s. How long are Sean’s scissors?

🔢 Their mother gives the boys two pieces of strings to use. Sean’s string is 8 inches long and Jacob’s is 5 inches long. What is the total length of their strings?

🔢 The yellow crayon is used up more than the grey crayon. The grey crayon is 3 inches longer than the yellow crayon. If the yellow crayon is 1 inch long, how long is the grey crayon?

🔢 Holden’s stick is 9 inches long, and Brooklyn’s stick is 5 inches long. Who has a longer stick?

🔢 There are 3 tubes of paint. The blue one is 5 inches long. The red one is 3 inches long, and the yellow one is 7 inches long. How much longer is the yellow one compared to the blue one?

🔢 There are two glue sticks. The longer one is 5 inches long. The shorter one is 2 inches shorter. How long is the shorter glue stick?

Second Grade Math Questions

Here are sample questions from the Second Grade Math Talk Collection:

• The train arrives at the North Pole at 9pm.  If it takes 5 hours to get there, what time should we leave?
• What is 640 in expanded form?  What other number can you make using the numerals 6, 4, and 0?
• Which would you buy?  A dozen large donuts for $6.00 or 2 dozen mini donuts for $7.00?
• We have 20 pieces of candy.  Some pieces are blue and some are orange.  How many can we have of each?
• Tell me an equation that equals your age.

Second Grade Fractions:

• There are 15 goldfish in the aquarium. 4 goldfish are orange, and 11 are silver in color. What fraction of the fish are silver?
• There are 5 rabbits on display. 3 of the rabbits are white and 2 of them are grey. What fraction of rabbits are grey?
• There are 6 cats waiting to be adopted. 4 of them are kittens. What fraction of the cats are kittens?
• There are 9 packs of pet food on the shelf. 5 of them are for cats and the rest of them are for dogs. What fraction of the food is for dogs?
• The pet store has 8 people working there. Two eighths of the people are working in the grooming center. Three eighths of them are working at the cashier. The rest of them are helping customers in the store. How many staff members are helping customers?

2nd Grade Money Counting Problems:

• Lucas has 2 one-dollar bills, 3 dimes and 3 nickels. How much money does Lucas have?
• Scarlett has $5.60, and her sister gives her 2 quarters. How much money does Scarlett have?
• Owen has $2.35, and he spends 1 dime and 3 nickels. How much money does he have?
• Ethan has 1 five-dollar bill and 4 quarters. After he spends 60 cents, how much money does he have?
• Ella has 4 one-dollar bills, 3 quarters and 5 dimes. Logan has 1 five-dollar bill and 1 nickel. Who has more money?
• Dan has 2 one-dollar bills, 1 quarter and 2 dimes. Joe has 3 one-dollar bills and 3 nickels. After Joe gives Dan all his coins, who has less money?

2nd Grade Addition and Subtraction Questions:

• The plastic Christmas tree comes in 3 parts. The bottom part has 8 branches. The middle part has 6 branches, and the top part has 4 branches. How many branches are there in total?
• We have 9 strings of silver lights, and 6 strings of gold lights.  2 silver light strings are broken. How many good light strings are left?
• Last week, we bought two boxes of pop-its. Each box has 4 red pop-its, and 4 blue pop-its.  How many pop-its do we have?
• A string of lights has 16 light bulbs, but 8 of them are broken. Jack only has 4 replacement bulbs. How many light bulbs are working?
• In a box of candy, there are nine candy bars and nine ring pops.  Three of the ring pops broke.  How many pieces of candy do we have left?
• Write the number sentence that fits this: “Jack made 5 ornaments to hang on the tree and Emma made 9 ornaments to hang on the tree. Emma made 4 more ornaments than Jack.”

Fun Math Games for Kids

Here is a small collection of games to practice math. There are easy math trivia questions, math apps, logic puzzles, magic squares and more.  

• Magic Magnetic Building Blocks
• Magic Square Puzzle Activity Book
• Easy Math Riddles for Smart Kids
• Numbers Bingo Game
• Magnetic Pizza Fractions

Before you go, here are math posts you will enjoy:

The Best Kindergarten Math Assessment

How to Teach Composing and Decomposing Numbers

Benefits of Math Talks for Kids

22 Best Educational Apps for Kids

Introducing Math Talks for Kids

Fun Math Questions for Kids

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Word Problems For Kindergarten: 20 Questions And Riddles For Math And Reading Skills

January 12, 2024 //  by  Seda Unlucay

These kindergarten-friendly word problems can serve as daily math questions, turned into low prep task cards, incorporated into independent math centers, used as a math warmup, pinned to a math wall or math board , or drawn on math mats.

Why not add some paper manipulatives to make the learning more concrete, reinforce the questions with printable worksheet practice or create a counting book to teach the counting strategy needed to solve the problems?

These real-world problems will develop students' core math skills of addition, subtraction, counting , and comparing while giving them plenty of reading comprehension practice .

1. A clown has 3 balloons. His friend gives him 5 more. How many does he have altogether?

2. emily saw 9 ladybugs and alex saw 2 ants. how many insects did they see in all, 3. there were 4 ornaments hanging on the tree. susan hung 6 more. how many ornaments are on the tree now, 4. a clown has 8 pink balloons. if he gives 3 away, how many balloons will he have left, 5. sam has 3 more crayons than bill. bill has 7 crayons. how many crayons does sam have, 6. anna has 9 pink flowers. she then gets 5 yellow flowers. how many more pink ones does she have than yellow ones, 7. 10 squirrels were in the park. 2 squirrels left to find nuts. how many squirrels are still in the park, 8. kim had 8 cupcakes. she ate 3 of them. how many cupcakes does she have left, 9. there are 5 butterflies sitting on a flower. 2 butterflies are blue and the rest are orange. how many are orange, 10. tom has 9 marbles. if he gives away 3 marbles, how many marbles will he have left, 11. there were 7 raindrops on a leaf. 4 of the raindrops fell off the leaf. how many raindrops are left on the leaf, 12. there are 6 cats in the backyard. 2 of the cats are brown. the rest are yellow. how many cats are yellow, 13. rob ate 10 candies. brad ate 4. who ate more candies how many more did they eat, 14. tim wants 10 toy cars. he already has 7 toy cars. how many more toy cars does he need, 15. there were 5 cakes at the party. some guests brought more cakes. now there are 9 cakes. how many cakes were brought to the party, 16. kate has 3 seashells. jill has 6 seashells. dan has 2 seashells. how many seashells do they have altogether, 17. molly has 5 cats, 2 dogs, and 1 hamster. how many pets does she have, 18. karen has 10 dolls. jill has 7 dolls. who has fewer dolls, 19. dylan is 10 years old. sam is 6 years old. who is older how much older, 20. jen has 5 red apples. peter has 7 red apples. who has more red apples.

50 Math Problems for Kindergarteners

Practice your math skills with these 50 math problems for kindergarteners , covering counting, addition, subtraction, place value, measurement, and geometry! Answers included.

Author Michelle Griczika

Published November 6, 2023

Published Nov 6, 2023

Key takeaways

• In kindergarten, mastering counting and understanding the basics of addition and subtraction set the foundation for future mathematical concepts.
• Utilizing visual aids, like ten frames and shape recognition, can significantly aid in understanding numbers and geometric shapes.
• Consider using our math app to supplement your child’s kindergarten math skills.

Table of contents

• Key Takeaways
• Addition and Subtraction
• Place Value
• Measurement

Get ready to take on 50 kindergarten math problems ! These exercises are designed to help young learners develop essential math skills while exploring counting, basic addition and subtraction, shape recognition, place value, and measurement in a fun and interactive way. 

We’ve put together 50 engaging math problems for kindergarten to prepare your young learner! These exercises cover five essential skills that every kindergartner needs to master before stepping into first grade. They include:

• Counting : a foundational skill introduced in kindergarten.
• Addition and Subtraction : which start to build numerical skills in kindergarten.
• Place Value: designed to set a strong foundation for the basis of our number system.
• Basic Measurements : introduced to help kindergarten students understand size and comparisons.
• Shape Recognition : a key area designed to help kindergarteners identify basic shapes.

From geometry problems to counting practice, we have a mixture of kindergarten math word problems for your child to practice at home. Once you are done, check your work with our answer sheet.

 Let’s dive in!

Section 1: Counting

Counting helps us understand numbers and how many things we have, like siblings or how many steps we take.

Section 2: Addition & Subtraction

Adding numbers helps us combine different amounts to find the sum, giving us the result of putting them together. Subtraction allows us to see the difference between two numbers by subtracting one value from another, helping us understand the remaining amount.

Section 3: Place Value

Ten frames show us the value of each digit in a number, helping us understand how they add up to make a bigger number.

1. Look at the ten frames. What number do you see?

2. Look at the ten frames. What number do you see?

3. Look at the ten frames. What number do you see?

4. Look at the ten frames. What number do you see?

5. Look at the ten frames. What number do you see?

6. Look at the ten frames. What number do you see?

7. Look at the ten frames. What number do you see?

8. Look at the ten frames. What number do you see?

9. Look at the ten frames. What number do you see?

10. Look at the ten frames. What number do you see?

Section 4: Measurement

When we measure things, we use the words’ bigger’ and ‘smaller’ to compare them and see which is larger or smaller in size, amount, or value.

1. Which polar bear is bigger?

2. Which snake is bigger?

3. Which Cat is bigger?

4. Which octopus is bigger?

5. Which penguin is bigger?

6. Which frog is smaller?

7. Which turtle is smaller?

8. Which Eagle is smaller?

9. Which Parrot is smaller?

10. Which leopard is smaller?

Section 5: Geometry

We can identify and name different shapes by looking at their features, such as the number of sides and how they are arranged.

1. Name the shape.

2. Name the shape.

3. Name the shape.

4. Name the shape.

5. Name the shape.

6. Name the shape.

7. Name the shape.

8. Name the shape.

9. Name the shape.

10. Name the shape.

Lesson credits

Michelle Griczika

Michelle Griczika is a seasoned educator and experienced freelance writer. Her years teaching first and fifth grades coupled with her double certification in elementary and early childhood education lend depth to her understanding of diverse learning stages. Michelle enjoys running in her free time and undertaking home projects.

Parents, sign up for a DoodleMath subscription and see your child become a math wizard!

Place Value Answer Sheet

Measurement Answer Sheet

Geometry answer sheet.

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• Kindergarten Math Problems
• Kindergarten Math

MathPyramid has created a variety of options for practicing kindergarten math problems. We have printable worksheets, free online math games, and you can also follow the kindergarten math curriculum as part of your homeschool math curriculum or to supplement what your student learns at school. Our math worksheets start out with simple addition and subtraction, but also include some printable games. The online Timed Tests and Flashcard Games help students improve their math skills while playing. As most people know, practice makes perfect when it comes to math, so encourage your student practice often.

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Word Problems Activities for Kindergarten

Strengthen your child's word problems skills with interactive educational resources for word problems for Kindergarten graders online. These learning resources include fun games and worksheets with eye-catching visuals and characters. Get started to help your Kindergarten grader master this concept by engaging their critical thinking.

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• Compare Numbers (65)
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Addition Word Problems

Adding One by Making a Model Game

Treat yourself to an immersive learning experience with our 'Adding One by Making a Model' game.

Adding Within 5 by Making a Model Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by adding within 5 by making a model.

Select the Correct Addition Expression Worksheet

Reinforce math concepts by selecting the correct addition expression.

Find the Sum by Part-Part-Whole Model Worksheet

Assess your math skills by finding the sum by 'Part-Part-Whole' model in this worksheet.

Subtraction Word Problems

Subtraction Scenario Game

Take a look at subtraction scenarios with this game.

Take Away Scenario Game

Use your subtraction skills to solve 'Take Away' scenarios.

Select the Correct Subtraction Expression Worksheet

Solidify your math skills by selecting the correct subtraction expression.

Subtract within 5: Summer Word Problems Worksheet

A fun, summer-themed worksheet designed to enhance students' subtraction skills with problems up to 5.

All Word Problems Resources

Create and Solve Your Own Story Problem Worksheet

Help your child revise subtraction by creating and solving your own story problem.

Model and Add (Within 10) Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to model and add (within 10).

Word Problems on Subtraction Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by solving word problems on subtraction.

Subtract within 10: Summer Word Problems Worksheet

A worksheet for students to practice subtraction within 10 using summer-themed word problems.

Solve Count On Scenarios Game

Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by learning how to solve count on scenarios.

Word Problems on Take Away Game

Kids must solve word problems on 'Take Away' to play.

Answer Using Part-Part-Whole Model Worksheet

Pack your math practice time with fun by answering using 'Part-Part-Whole' model.

Subtract within 5: Halloween Word Problems Worksheet

Spooky themed worksheet to master subtraction within 5 through fun Halloween word problems!

Represent 'Add To' Scenarios Game

Learn to solve math problems through our 'Represent 'Add To' Scenarios' game.

Solve Subtraction Scenarios Game

Apply your knowledge to solve subtraction scenarios.

Add within 5: Summer Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging summer-themed worksheet with word problems to enhance addition skills within 5.

Subtract within 10: Halloween Word Problems Worksheet

Halloween-themed worksheet for kids to learn subtraction within 10 through word problems.

Solve 'Add To' Scenarios Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by solving 'Add To' scenarios.

Solve Word Problems to Find the Difference Game

Kids must solve word problems to find the difference to practice subtraction.

Add within 10: Summer Word Problems Worksheet

Fun summer-themed worksheet offering engaging word problems for adding numbers within 10.

Subtract within 5: Christmas Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging Christmas-themed worksheet for students to master subtraction within 5 through word problems.

Represent 'Put Together' Scenarios Game

Have your own math-themed party by learning how to represent 'Put Together' scenarios.

Word Problems: Subtracting One Game

Sharpen your math skills with the 'Word Problems: Subtracting One' game.

Add within 5: Halloween Word Problems Worksheet

Spooky-themed worksheet for practicing addition within 5 through Halloween word problems.

Subtract within 10: Christmas Word Problems Worksheet

Engage in festive math fun with this Christmas-themed subtraction within 10 worksheet!

Solve 'Put Together' Scenarios Game

Shine bright in the math world by learning how to solve 'Put Together' scenarios.

Word Problems: Subtracting Within 10 Game

Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by practicing to solve word problems on subtracting within 10.

Add within 10: Halloween Word Problems Worksheet

Spooky-themed worksheet for students to practice and boost their skills in adding numbers within 10.

Subtract within 5: Shopping Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging subtraction worksheet with a shopping theme, helping students solve problems within 5.

Solve 'Add To' Word Problems Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to solve 'Add To' word problems.

Solve 'Change Unknown' Scenarios Game

Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by solving 'Change Unknown' scenarios.

Add within 5: Christmas Word Problems Worksheet

Engage in festive math fun with this Christmas-themed worksheet, adding numbers within 5.

Subtract within 10: Shopping Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging worksheet that combines shopping theme and subtraction within 10 word problems.

Solve 'Put Together' Word Problems Game

Let your child see the world through math-colored shades by solving 'Put Together' word problems!

Represent Scenarios with More Game

Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to represent scenarios with 'More'.

Add within 10: Christmas Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging Christmas-themed worksheet focused on solving addition problems within 10.

Subtract within 5: Travel Word Problems Worksheet

Travel-themed worksheet to enhance students' subtraction skills within 5 through word problems.

Addition Word Problems on Finding the Total Game

Learn to solve addition word problems on finding the total.

Represent Scenarios with Fewer Game

Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to represent scenarios with 'Fewer'.

Add within 5: Shopping Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging worksheet with a shopping theme to help students master addition within 5 through word problems.

Subtract within 10: Travel Word Problems Worksheet

A fun, travel-themed worksheet helping students practice subtraction skills within the number 10 using word problems.

Represent 'Take Apart' Scenarios Game

Kids must represent 'Take Apart' scenarios to practice subtraction.

Solve 'Take Apart' Scenarios Game

Take the pressure off by simplifying subtraction by solving 'Take Apart' scenarios.

Add within 10: Shopping Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging worksheet with a shopping theme for students to practice addition within 10.

Subtract within 5: Sports Word Problems Worksheet

Sports-themed worksheet designed to engage students in solving subtraction problems within 5.

Your one stop solution for all grade learning needs.

Kindergarten Word Problems Worksheets

Kindergarten word problems worksheets is the best practice material for kindergarten students as it helps them relate to real-life situations which in turn enhances their problem-solving skills. Kindergarten word problem math worksheets consist of questions related to various topics which are not just good for math but also help students develop their critical thinking and reasoning skills. The variety of questions in kindergarten worksheets make these worksheets, the best study material for the kids.

Benefits of Kindergarten Word Problems Math Worksheets

Kindergarten word problems worksheets consist of questions that focus on developing the core concepts of the student. These kindergarten math worksheets are the best study material for students as it helps them relate to real-life situations thus helping them understand the applications of these topics.

Printable PDF for Kindergarten Word Problems Math Worksheets

Kindergarten word problems worksheet consists of a detailed solution set and the PDF versions can be downloaded for free.

• Kindergarten Math Worksheet Word Problems
• Word Problems Worksheet for Kindergarten
• Kindergarten Math Word Problems Worksheet
• Word Problems Math Worksheet for Kindergarten

Interactive Kindergarten Word Problems Worksheets

• Kindergarten Word Problems Worksheet on Addition of 2-Digit Numbers
• Word Problems Kindergarten Worksheet on Subtraction of 2-Digit Numbers
• Word Problems on 2-Digit Multiplication Worksheet for Kindergarten
• Word Problems Multiplication Worksheet for Kindergarten

Explore more topics at Cuemath's Math Worksheets .

Kindergarten Lessons

Involve me and I learn...

KINDERGARTEN MATH PROBLEM SOLVING

Organize your routines to promote plenty of kindergarten math problem solving.

It’ll help children make sense of math concepts as they solve problems using real life objects and everyday situations that they can relate to.

When children learn to recognize a problem, try a few problem solving strategies, suggest a variety of solutions to solve the problem, and finally, test their ideas. They will gain confidence and have a chance to use skills that they have learned previously.

Keep Math Problem Solving Activities Simple

• Jars from pasta sauce and other products work well also.
• Ask parents to save clean jar lids that are large enough to hold 3 one-inch blocks. Check there are no sharp edges.
• Cups are too deep for the following activities as the children cannot easily see how many counters they have put into each cup.

Literature based problem solving games…

Game – Birthday party across the river

Set up the problem by reading a book such as Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present.

After reading it, talk about:

• What was the little girl’s problem?
• What did she do to solve it?
• How did Mr. Rabbit help?
• How did they solve the problem?

Boats and River Game

• Boats – One jar lid per child (such as the ones that pasta sauce comes in) that hold 3 one-inch Unifix™ cubes. The lids represent the boats.
• Presents – Ten one-inch Unifix™ cubes for each student. These represent the presents. Vary the number of blocks, depending on the children’s abilities.
• 1/2 sheet of blue construction paper cut lengthwise – this is the river
• Recording sheet and pencils
• Introduce the problem – Tell your students that you are pretending that all ten of Mr. Rabbit’s  presents (cubes) have to get across the river for a birthday party. The presents will have to go in the boats (jar lids) but can not be stacked on top of each other or they will fall in the water. Only 3 presents can fit into a boat but all the presents have to get to the party.
• How many trips across the river does your boat need to take?
• Each child loads their boat with 3 cubes and take them across the river then unloads their boat
• Children record each trip with a tally line.
• Vary the number of blocks with each game

Sharing type problem solving …

• Counters, blocks or crackers
• Small paper plates – 4 per child
• Lids and blocks as above

Focus on different ways of solving the problems. Vary the games and materials each time:

• Game #1 – Say to the children – “You have 4 plates, one for each friend, and 12 crackers. How can you make sure that all your friends get the same number of crackers?”
• Game #2 – Each child gets 4 lids and 12 blocks. “How you can put the blocks into the lids so all the lids have the same number of blocks?”
• Game #3 – Each child gets 2 plates. Goldfish type crackers are in bowls near the children. “How can we figure out how many crackers we will need if each plate has 10 crackers?”

Seating & PE equipment type kindergarten problem solving …

One group of children watches while the other group acts out the problem.

Prompt with suggestions as necessary. E.G. How could we figure that out? All the children can contribute ideas to solve these types of problems.

#1 – Four children can sit around each table. We have 12 children. How can we figure out how many tables we need so everybody can sit down?

#2 – We have 6 balls and 12 children. How can we share the balls so all the children get to play with the same number of balls?

#3 – This group has 4 children. If each child jumps 3 times, how can we keep track of how many jumps will they jump all together?

Tip – Save these types of problems for after the children have had plenty of activity and are ready to sit and rest for a while.

Spatial type problem solving

• Pattern blocks

Ask questions such as the ones below.

1. How many ways can you make a bird (or flower or star…) using only 5 pattern blocks? Children spend 5 minutes making birds. Have them count the number of pattern blocks in each bird as they sometimes get carried away and end up making a bird with many more blocks!

2. Show me how you can make 3 different stars can with your pattern blocks?

Recording problem solving activities

Prompt students to record the results of most activities, even if they are only able to make a simple picture.

Many opportunities for math problem solving will arise in a regular preschool or kindergarten day.

• Keep problem solving simple and age appropriate
• Focus on problems that have open-ended results
• If children get frustrated, give them the option of leaving the problem and coming back to it later

A Blog About Parenting: Coping Skills, Behavior Management and Special Needs

25 Fun Problem Solving Activities for Kids

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

Problem-Solving Steps

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.
• Decision-making 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.
• Creativity 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.
• 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.

(Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You can also read our Disclosure & Disclaimer policy  here )

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.

2. Crosswords A crossword is another fun type of puzzle and a good source of mental stimulation.

3. Sudoku 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:

16. Cluedo 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.

17. Codenames 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

19. Scrabble 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:

20. Uno 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:

• Goal-Setting Activities for Kids
• SMART Goals for Kids
• Goal Tracker Thermometer

Remember to provide guidance and support during these activities while encouraging children to think independently and come up with their own solutions.

Problem-Solving Worksheets

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
• Brainstorming
• Decision Matrix
• Root Cause Analysis
• Systematic problem-solving

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Problem solving is challenging for young students (and many adults too)! To support my little friends, I teach them problem solving strategies that they can use when they encounter a problem. We want our students to become independent thinkers who can solve problems, control their emotions, express empathy, and help others.

I introduce the problem solving techniques a few at a time during a class meeting. Each week, I introduce three new problem solving techniques.  We then end up with nine to twelve techniques total based on what my students need that year.  I explain the technique to the students in concrete terms so they will understand what the technique is and what it can look/sound like.

We usually start with these four skills:  “please stop”, ask, get help, and say how you feel.  Many problems can be solved with those solutions, which is why I always start with those. Then, the following week, I introduce take turns, play together, trade, and share. Then, the last four solutions the next week.

Problem Solving Techniques

Singing with puppets is a fun and active way to practice the problem-solving techniques .  Preschoolers LOVE puppets!  This technique also allows students to role play.  Some students will be more verbal if they can pretend to be someone else.  At the end of each verse, students act out the problem-solving technique with a buddy using the puppets!As a transition activity to lunch, students took turns sharing a way they have solved a problem. You can also play, “What would you do if….”. State a real problem that could happen and have students pick a problem-solving solution to solve the problem. Some examples would be, “What would you do if your friend took your book?”, “What would you do if you got sticky glue on your hands?”, or “What would you do if you needed the red marker and your friend was coloring with it?” Once they have learned the strategies, stand back and let students try solving their own problems independently. Just a warning: this can take some time with lots of practice and support. As long as the student isn’t frustrated, let them try before you jump in to help. You will be amazed at the problems your child can solve given the opportunity to.

At first, you will be giving students lots of support and giving them the words to use to solve a problem.

• Always approach students at their level, in a calm supporting way.
• Ask, “what’s the problem?” If they don’t respond, comment on what you see such as “I see you have glue all over your hands and it looks sticky.”
• Restate the problem. “So the problem is ….”
• Brainstorm solutions and choose one together. This is the perfect time to use problem solving card visuals! “How can we solve this problem?” Flip through the solution cards and ask “Could we ….?”
• Praise and observe! Cheer on the students for solving the problem and stay close just in case they need more support.

Throughout the day, try to make EVERYTHING a problem to solve.  Then model, talk through your thinking out loud, and use visuals to support students as they try to solve a problem. For example, I may put out a big ball of playdough in the center of the table as a small group activity. Students have to problem solve so each student has play dough to play with. It only takes few extra minutes to sneak in problem-solving situations throughout the day. Each time students help solve a problem or observe a friend solve a problem, they learn to self-regulate, express emotions appropriately, develop empathy, and develop problem-solving skills.

State problems for students who look stuck. If a student is just standing there, they need support, but don’t solve the problem for them! It’s so easy to do. Simply state their problem or what you see and ask a probing question. For example, if a student is standing with an empty bowl in their hand, you could say “Your snack spilled on the floor. How can you solve the problem?”

Problem-Solving Necklace or Mini Book!

I hole punched the small cards, put them on a book ring and keep them on a lanyard I wear every day.  This way I can support students’ solving problems without having to go to the safe place where they are posted.  I can just show the picture cards as a visual on my necklace.  The mini book in the safe place works the same way.

Safe Place!

I keep my techniques posted in my circle area at the beginning of the year AND in my safe place. My safe place is a small spot in my classroom where students can go when they are upset, need to calm down, want to be alone, or have a problem.

Once I see students using the problem-solving techniques independently, I remove them from my circle area.  They are posted in my safe place ALL YEAR LONG for students to use when they are struggling to solve a problem.  In my safe place, you will find a mirror, feeling chart, bean bag, sensory bottles, calm down choices, a stuffed animal, problem solving mini book and problem-solving techniques chart. You can read all about how to set up a safe place in your classroom HERE . Children’s Books!

These are some of my FAVORITE children’s books to teach all about problem-solving.  As we read the book, we talk about how the character is or isn’t solving the problem, how it makes the character and others feel, any natural consequences that could occur, and which one of our problem-solving strategies the character could use to solve the problem.

Do you want to use them in your classroom?  You can!  I did the work for you.  Grab them from my TPT store HERE .

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hey, i’m jackie!

I’m Jackie, your go-to girl for early childhood inspiration and research-based curriculum. 

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