• PROBLEM SOLVING STEPS

    UNDERSTAND the problem: Decide what's important and what's not!

     

    Choose a STRATEGY: Use 1 or 2 strategies!

     

     

    PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES

     

    Act it Out or Use Objects

    Draw a Picture or Diagram

    Make a Table or Chart

    Make an Organized List

    Guess and Check

    Look for a Pattern

    Work Backwards

    Use Logical Reasoning

    Make it Simplier

    Use Equations

     

    SOLVE the problem: Showing ALL work!

     

    As a parent, you can:

    * Encourage your student to find a solution on his/her terms

    * Be patient with your child`s trial and error approaches
    * Encourage your child to be persistent. If your child asks for help, keep the spirit of inquiry alive…


    Try these questions:
    * What are you trying to find out?
    * Which information do you need?
    * Which information is extra?
    *Are there any special conditions you must meet?
    * What have you tried so far?
    * What did you learn from those attempts/tries?
    * How else might you start?
    * What strategies have you tried?
    * Have you thought about trying_______________?
     

     

     

    When you become a coach and provide support without doing the problem for your child, you will find your child capable of wonderful THINKING!