The Importance of Problem Solving

Children in Morado make decisions and solve problems all day long.

Some children this week were trying to show how rivers start in the mountains and flow into the ocean. They had to decide what material to use for the mountains, how to attach it to their board, and how to make foothills.

One person decided to use the test tubes for long division, only to find someone else was already using them. He had to decide whether to ask if he could join the first person or to wait until the material was available.

Several people arrived after everyone else had planned and started work, so they had to figure out how to plan and join in. 

Often, two children want to work together, but they are at different skill levels. If the levels are close enough, the one with greater skill can pull the other to a greater understanding. Sometimes a child who is more advanced will do the golden beads or other early work with someone who is working on that, and it will serve as a good review in addition to being a service to the community.

​One child was heard to say, “I’m going to read my literature circle book. But first I need to gather my people, then we’ll find someone to read to us.” What a wonderful skill for a six-year-old to have!

---