Social Problem Solving
With our support, children can work together to find solutions to their problems
Conflicts between peers are typical in most preschool classrooms. At this age, children are still learning to understand how their actions affect others, so it is hard for them to come up with fair solutions to their conflicts. It’s our role to practice and teach problem-solving skills and then support children as they navigate handling problems.
The problem-solving steps outlined in these modules are based on resources from the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI).
Hallmarks of This Strategy
Be Proactive
Find ways to prevent common conflicts. Can you expand popular centers or add more of an often-fought over toy? How can you minimize the time children are waiting?
Practice Problem Solving
Teach children social problem-solving skills in advance through books, puppets, games, or discussions. These can give them the tools they need to find solutions in the moment.
Give Children an Active Say
When challenging moments come up, support the problem-solving process by giving children an active say in how they might solve a problem.
VIDEO 1
Teaching Social Problem Solving in Advance
In this lesson, we cover tips for explicitly teaching problem-solving skills in engaging and meaningful ways.
VIDEO 2
Supporting Social Problem Solving in the Moment
In this lesson, we explore ways to support problem-solving skills in the moment when children encounter challenging social situations.
IMPLEMENT THIS STRATEGY
Social Problem Solving
Guide to Promoting Problem Solving (Español)
Learn more about this strategy and its importance, and learn tips for trying it in your classroom.
Family Guide to Supporting Problem Solving with Others (Español)
Share this guide with families to communicate the strategies you're using at school. Take time to make connections between how children are supported at home and in the classroom.
Additional Resources
NCPMI
A Problem-Solving Toolkit
These downloadable resources are a great way to help your students become super problem solvers.
NAEYC
Consider Context and Culture
Problem solving can look different across classrooms, situations, and cultures. Explore culturally appropriate ways to resolve conflicts between children.
EARLY CHILDHOOD INVESTIGATIONS
A Teachable Moment
Nadia Jaboneta shares her experience using a peer conflict as an opportunity to promote equity and social justice.
