Activities to help your child become a great problem solver

Problem solving skills are a crucial part of a child’s development. These skills allow children to observe, analyse and communicate effectively.

So, how can you help your child to develop good problem solving skills? I have teamed up with an independent nursery in Hampshire to share a few activities to help your child become a great problem solver…

Let them play

By giving your child freedom to play they will have many opportunities to learn how things work. This exploration is essential when developing problem skills. For example, whilst your child is playing with Lego, you could ask them to build a bridge. When building their own bridge your child will not only have to think about the design, but they will also need to think about how to build a strong structure that will not collapse.

Go outdoors

Outdoor experiences offer new challenges to children, which help to develop their problem-solving skills. Through outdoor activities, children are able to identify hazards and evaluate risks. These decision making opportunities will also help your child to learn from mistakes and build their confidence. If you are feeling adventurous, you could plan a camping trip. This will give your child an opportunity to explore, learn survival skills and try new activities such as map reading and building a camp fire.

Extra- curricular clubs

Extra-curricular clubs are an ideal way to develop your child’s problem solving skills. This is because these after school clubs allow your child to be more independent. In fact, taking part in extra-curricular activities can help your child to develop many personal skills, such as communication and teamwork. With clubs like Scouts, children can try lots of different activities, such as hiking, abseiling and orienteering, which are all fantastic opportunities to test their problem solving skills.

Laura. x