When we give children time to solve a problem this allows them to use trial and error, helps them develop flexible thinking, pay attention, remain focused, and use creativity.  This is true for problems that come up while working with materials, dramatic play or everyday routines.  

When solving problems with their peers, children may need our coaching. While it can be tempting to step in and fix the situation, it is a great time to demonstrate how you can approach problem solving with curiosity, information gathering and creativity. Supporting children in coming up with different solutions to try, while stopping any hurtful behavior, adds a rich learning opportunity. 

Play & Learn At Home

Here are some sentence starters to try to encourage your child through a possible tough or frustrating situation: 

“You almost have it!” 

“You’ve done a wonderful job at...” 

“You have really learned how to...” 

“I see that you are working so hard...” 

“You were so patient when you...” 

“I see a problem here, what is happening?”

Looking for more inspiration at home? We love these resources:

Using Open-ended Questions with Children
https://aussiechildcarenetwork.com.au/articles/teaching-children/using-open-ended-
questions-with-children

The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally by David Elkind
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Play-Learning-Comes-
Naturally/dp/0738211109/ref=asc_df_0738211109/?tag=hyprod-
20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343819177899&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=334589242122795129
&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033383&hvtargid=
pla-
492465750208&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=69317523495&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=34381
9177899&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=334589242122795129&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&
hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033383&hvtargid=pla-492465750208