HOW TO USE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TO HELP YOUR CHILD IMPROVE:

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving skills are essential for getting along well with others, learning from one’s mistakes, and coping with the day-to-day frustrations of life. These skills help children get along with their siblings and peers and resolve conflicts with their parents or teachers, and are crucial in academic tasks, particularly in the areas of mathematics and science.

Many children have difficulties as problem solvers. They may be inflexible in their problem-solving styles, using the same strategies time and time again. Other children have difficulty in learning from their mistakes or are unwilling to take risks to try possible new solutions. Some children have difficulty knowing where to get started on problems and are often overwhelmed by complex, multifaceted problems. Others may not know when to use a trial-and-error approach, in contrast to a more established style.  Common indications of problem-solving difficulties include:

• Being overwhelmed by problems and not knowing where to begin
• A rigid approach to problem solving; not learning from mistakes

Further information about problem solving can be found in the LearningWorks for Kids.com website sections on Planning, Task Initiation, Flexibility, and Resources. Digital technologies can be used to support, practice, and enhance problem-solving skills at home. Parents are encouraged to utilize children’s other strengths, intelligences, and interests to assist them with their difficulties in problem solving. Digital technologies used in conjunction with parent, teacher, and peer mediation/involvement are helpful with the preceding list.