Puzzle Pathways Lesson Plan
Puzzle Pathways
Group Problem-Solving Lesson Plan
TIER 2
Why it Matters
Early problem-solving skills help children tackle everyday challenges independently, boost their confidence, and foster collaboration. This lesson lays a foundation for critical thinking and social development in a playful, supportive way.
Time & Audience
Duration: 3 sessions × 15 minutes
Audience: Kindergarten Students
Focus: Four-Step Problem Solving
Teacher Preparation
- Print and laminate Steps Poster
- Cut apart Problem Picture Cards
- Assemble the Game Board
- Cut Brainstorming Idea Cards
- Place Tokens in small bowls
- Gather dice, markers, and chart paper
1
Session 1: Identify the Problem (15 min)
• Poster Intro: Display the Steps Poster and read each step aloud, focusing on Step 1: Identify the Problem.
• Spot the Issue: Show a Problem Picture Card and ask: "What's happening here? What's the problem?"
• Class Chart: Invite volunteers to describe the issue; record their responses on chart paper.
• Practice: Repeat with 2-3 more cards, reinforcing how to spot a problem before trying to solve it.
2
Session 2: Brainstorm & Choose (15 min)
• Review: Quick recap of the poster; spotlight Step 2: Brainstorm and Step 3: Choose.
• Group Work: Divide students into small groups and hand out Brainstorming Idea Cards.
• Idea Generation: Groups think of 2-3 ways to solve their card's problem. Record ideas together.
• Voting: Hand out Choice Tokens. Students vote for their favorite idea. Groups share their top pick!
3
Session 3: Try It Out & Game (15 min)
• Recap: Quickly look at all four steps on the poster.
• Game Intro: Introduce the Game Board. Explain that each space is a step in the process.
• Play: In teams, students roll dice, move markers, and draw a Problem Picture Card to walk through the steps out loud.
• Try It: When landing on Step 4: Try It Out, students act out their solution. Celebrate the completion of the path!
Tip: Use the "Solve It" chant: Identify, Brainstorm, Choose, and Try!
Problem Picture Cards Activity
Problem Picture Cards
Cut these cards apart to use in Session 1 and Session 3.
🥛
1. The Milk Spill
A cup of milk tipped over on a table, with milk spilling onto the floor.
🧢
2. The Lost Hat
A lost hat lying on the playground grass, while the child looks around confused.
🖍️
3. The Broken Crayon
A broken crayon snapped in half next to a paper with an unfinished drawing.
🧩
4. The Missing Piece
A puzzle with one piece missing, and the child holding an empty hand.
🧥
5. The Stuck Zipper
A zipper on a coat stuck halfway, with the child tugging at it.
🎨
6. The Empty Jar
A paint jar that’s empty beside a half-painted picture.
🎧
7. Tangled Headphones
Headphones tangled in knots next to a tablet.
📖
8. The Torn Page
A torn page from a picture book on the floor, with the child looking sad.
Brainstorming Idea Cards Activity
Brainstorming Idea Cards
Use these cards in Session 2. Students can draw or write their ideas in the boxes below.
🥛
Card 1: Milk Spill
A cup of milk tipped over on the table and floor.
Idea 1
Idea 2
Idea 3
🧢
Card 2: Lost Hat
A hat lying on the playground grass.
Idea 1
Idea 2
Idea 3
🖍️
Card 3: Broken Crayon
A crayon snapped in half next to paper.
Idea 1
Idea 2
Idea 3
🧩
Card 4: Missing Piece
A puzzle with one piece missing.
Idea 1
Idea 2
Idea 3
🧥
Card 5: Stuck Zipper
A zipper on a coat stuck halfway.
Idea 1
Idea 2
Idea 3
🎨
Card 6: Empty Jar
A paint jar that’s empty beside a picture.
Idea 1
Idea 2
Idea 3
🎧
Card 7: Tangled Headphones
Headphones tangled in knots next to a tablet.
Idea 1
Idea 2
Idea 3
📖
Card 8: Torn Page
A torn page from a picture book.
Idea 1
Idea 2
Idea 3