You know how when you get a new phone, you spend 1-2 hours playing with it trying to learn all about your new gadget? That is you engaging in problem-solving skills, learning through trial and error.

Kids are the same way. Give them a new toy and don’t show them how it works or introduce them to a new skill. They will play with that toy until they figure out how it works or practice that skill over and over until they get it. So encourage your preschooler to try new skills like throwing a ball, climbing up the big playground.Allowing them to explore their surroundings will also improve their problem-solving skills. This will take some patience and practice on your part though. I often find myself starting to redirect my kids’ behaviors and then stop myself and think, “What is the harm in he/she exploring x?” If there is no harm, I try to allow him/her to continue whatever it is he/she is doing. (*This also leads to A LOT of lessons on cleaning up after ourselves, because more often than not explorations create a big mess.)

Tinker trays are a fun way for your preschooler to explore a variety of materials and how they work or how they can work together. This is an activity where it is all about the process, NOT the product.Tinker trays do not have to be formulaic. In fact, I encourage you to go through your junk drawers and empty out anything you don’t want. Put all those materials out for your preschooler and let them explore.

The Teaching Mama has some great ideas on themed tinker trays if you want to check them out.

I came across a list on Speech is Beautiful of mini movies on YouTube that are wonderful for teaching our preschoolers about problem solving. I watched a few of them and they remind of the Pixar Shorts before a Disney movie. I watched several of the videos and I loved the tenacity of the characters, plus they made me giggle quite a few times.My personal favorite is Ormie the Pig

So far, all of the problem skills activities we have suggested encourage kids to be creative and innovative, which is wonderful, but what can your preschooler do when their problem is social and involves others?Teaching your child to resolve or walk away from problems is a crucial skill for all walks of life, but as a elementary teacher I can assure you that I can do my job teaching your child a million times better if I am able to focus on teaching academics rather than resolving peer conflicts.