Problem-solving is a big part of learning, even in the preschool classroom! Kids face small challenges every day, from sharing toys to figuring out a puzzle. Having the confidence and patience to work through these obstacles is a key skill all little learners should work on developing!
In preschool, teachers guide children in ways that help them build problem-solving skills early, setting them up for success later on. Here are 8 problem-solving activities our educators at New Horizons help our learners with developing problem-solving skills!
1. Encouraging Questions
Preschool educators know that curiosity is the starting point for problem-solving in young children. When a child asks “why” or “how,” it’s a great opportunity for them to figure out more about the world around them. Instead of just giving a simple answer, teachers often ask follow-up questions to keep kids thinking, such as, “What do you think will happen if we try this?” Encouraging questions like this keeps young minds curious–the first step in promoting independent problem-solving!
2. Role-Playing Scenarios
Role-playing is a fun, hands-on way to help preschoolers explore different ways of handling tricky situations. For instance, if two children want the same toy, a teacher might suggest they pretend to be two characters sharing a toy and practice taking turns with one another. This approach gives children the tools to work through conflicts in a safe, creative way while keeping things fun and lighthearted.
3. Group Activities
Group activities are ideal for teaching kids about teamwork and problem-solving at the same time. When kids work together on projects—like building a tower, creating a piece of art, or completing a puzzle—they encounter situations where they need to listen to each other, share ideas, and find solutions that work for the whole group.
For example, if two kids have different ideas about how to build a structure, they might need to combine their ideas or come up with a third option that satisfies them both. Working in a group allows children to learn compromise, patience, and the value of different perspectives—all essential skills for solving problems.
4. Teaching Through Stories
Stories can be powerful tools for learning about problem-solving. Educators read books with relatable characters who face simple challenges—like a character who loses a toy or can’t find a friend. These stories show children how others handle problems and introduce them to various ways of thinking.
After reading a story, teachers often ask questions like, “What do you think the character could have done differently?” or “How would you solve that problem?” This question-and-answer discussion allows kids to explore different approaches and consider how they might handle similar situations, building empathy and critical thinking.
5. Using Open-Ended Toys
Toys that can be used in multiple ways—like blocks, play dough, or loose parts—are open-ended toys that can help preschool age children explore creativity and solve problems on their own terms. Instead of toys with a single purpose, open-ended toys encourage kids to come up with different ways to use them, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and imaginative problem-solving.
6. Practicing Trial and Error
Teachers guide preschoolers in trying new ideas and learning from their mistakes. For example, if a child’s block tower keeps falling, an educator might suggest adjusting the base. The child learns to reflect on their approach, make adjustments, and keep trying. Through trial and error, children learn that sometimes solving a problem takes patience and a willingness to try again. They’ll develop confidence and resilience, too!
7. Modeling Calm Problem-Solving
Educators often model calm behavior in tricky situations, showing children how to handle challenges without getting upset or frustrated.
When a classroom activity doesn’t go as planned, or there’s a conflict, teachers approach it calmly, discussing possible solutions out loud so that kids can see the process. For example, if a craft activity runs out of a popular color of paper, a teacher might say, “Let’s think about other colors that might work just as well.” This shows children that sometimes, flexibility and staying calm can be the key to solving a problem.
8. Celebrating Small Successes
Every time a child solves a problem, it builds confidence. Educators celebrate each win, no matter how small, to encourage children to keep trying. Whether it’s figuring out how to fit a shape into a puzzle or sharing a toy with a friend, these small victories add up and show kids that problem-solving is rewarding.
When a child figures out how to share a toy or solves a tricky puzzle, teachers often celebrate with high-fives, words of encouragement, or even a quick story-time recognition. This positive reinforcement helps kids associate problem-solving with pride and confidence. Over time, this builds a growth-focused mindset, helping children understand that effort leads to improvement.
Problem-Solving at New Horizons
At New Horizons, our teachers do much more than teach letters and numbers—they help children build foundational skills in thinking, resilience, and social interactions. By encouraging curiosity, supporting teamwork, modeling patience, and celebrating each small success, educators set the stage for a lifetime of confident problem-solving. We offer a balanced program of interaction with friends in both teacher-directed and child-directed experiences.
To learn more about our preschool or schedule a tour, please contact us today!
