Solving Puzzles Together Lesson Plan
Solving Puzzles Together
15 Minutes Kindergarten (Tier 2)
Why This Lesson?
Problem-solving is a crucial life skill that empowers children to navigate challenges and build resilience from a young age. This lesson helps them practice these skills in a supportive group setting.
Prep Work
- • Gather 4-6 piece puzzles for group exploration.
- • Prepare crayons and paper for each student.
- • Review the Problem-Solving Slides.
- • Read through the Discussion Guide script.
Materials Needed
- Small puzzles (4-6 pieces)
- Crayons and paper
- Problem-Solving Slides
- Discussion Guide
- Draw Your Solution Activity
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify a simple problem and propose a solution with peer support.
Lesson Instructions
1
Warm-Up: What's a Problem?
3 min
- Open the Problem-Solving Slides (Slides 1-2).
- Use the Discussion Guide to ask: "What is a 'problem'?"
- Encourage students to share "tiny problems" they've had today.
2
Introducing Solutions
3 min
- Transition to Problem-Solving Slides (Slides 3-4).
- Explain: "For every problem, there can be many solutions!"
- Guide conversation on how to find solutions to simple problems using the script.
3
Activity: Draw Your Solution
7 min
Set the scene: "Your block tower keeps falling down!"
- Hand out the Draw Your Solution Activity sheets.
- Instruct students to draw one creative way to fix the falling tower.
- Share drawings in the circle and explain their choices.
4
Wrap-Up
2 min
- Recap: "What did we learn about problems and solutions today?"
- Reinforce: Problems are okay, and finding solutions is like playing a game together.
Problem Solving Slides
What's a Problem?
Have you ever had a challenge?
Something that made you stop and think?
That's a problem!
Teacher Note: Welcome students and introduce the idea of problems. Ask them what they think a 'problem' is. Encourage simple, everyday examples.
Problems Around Us
A toy is stuck!
I don't know what to draw.
My tower fell down.
These are all small problems!
Teacher Note: Give a few very simple examples children might relate to, like a toy being stuck or not knowing which color crayon to use.
Finding Solutions!
For every problem, we can find a solution!
A solution is a way to fix a problem.
It makes things better!
Teacher Note: Transition to solutions. Emphasize that problems aren't bad. Introduce the idea of finding ways to fix or solve problems.
How Can We Solve It?
Toy stuck?
Wiggle it! Ask a friend!
Don't know what to draw?
Pick a favorite color! Ask a teacher!
Tower fell down?
Try again! Build it stronger!
Teacher Note: Provide examples of solutions for the problems mentioned earlier. For the stuck toy, suggest wiggling it or asking for help.
Problem Solving Discussion Guide
Teacher Resource
Problem-Solving Discussion Guide
Small Group (Tier 2) facilitation script for Kindergarten
1
Introduction to Problems (3 min)
Script
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something we all do every day: solving problems!"
Script
"Can anyone tell me what a 'problem' is? What does it mean when you have a problem? Don't worry, there are no wrong answers!"
Wait for Student Responses
Student contributions go here...
Script
"That's right! A problem is like a little challenge or something that makes us stop and think. It's when something isn't quite right, and we need to figure out how to make it better."
Script
"Can you think of a tiny problem you've had today, maybe at home or even on your way to school? For example, maybe your shoelace came untied, or you couldn't find your favorite toy."
Encourage Shared Examples
Space for student stories...
2
Introducing Solutions (3 min)
Script
"Now, when we have a problem, we don't just stop there, do we? We try to solve it! A solution is a way to fix a problem, to make things better."
Script
"Let's think about some of the problems we just talked about. If your shoelace came untied, what would be a solution?"
Wait for Responses
"Tie it!" or "Ask teacher!"
Script
"Yes! Tying it would be a great solution! Or maybe asking a grown-up for help. Both are good ways to solve that problem."
Script
"What if you couldn't find your favorite toy? What could you do to solve that problem?"
Identify Multiple Options
"Look under bed!" or "Check toy box!"
Script
"Excellent ideas! See? There are often many ways to solve one problem! Today, we're going to use our super-smart brains to figure things out together!"
Use these prompts alongside the Problem-Solving Slides.
Draw Your Solution Activity
I am a Problem Solver!
Draw Your Solution Activity
Name:
Date:
The Problem:
Oh no! You're trying to build a tall tower with blocks, but every time you get it really high, it falls down!
What is one way you could solve this problem?
Draw your super-smart solution in the big box below!
Be ready to share your picture and explain your idea to the group!