- Definition
Problem solving is when your child figures out how to do something new or tricky by using what they already know and trying different ways to get to an answer.
When a child tries hopping, then sliding, to cross a space without touching a line, they are problem solving.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Problem solving is like figuring out how to get all the way across the monkey bars for the first time.
Ask your child: What's another way we could try to cross this?
Common mix-up: Kids may think there is only one 'right way' to solve a physical challenge. Problem solving is about trying out many different ideas to see what works for your body.
Examples
- Working with a friend to figure out how to keep a balloon from touching the floor.
- Figuring out how to get a beanbag into a bucket using only your feet.
problem solving is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 1 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 2 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 3 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 4 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 5 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 6 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 7 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 8 Health and Physical Education
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
