HOW CHILDREN SOLVE PROBLEMS
Children at this age are still highly multisensory. They learn
and solve problems when they touch and do. Three-year-olds may not
be as assertive as 2-year-olds; they may whine and try to
manipulate adults to solve problems for them. But 4-year-olds may
be aggressive as they try out new problem-solving skills.
Five-year-olds are eager to please adults and will often solve
problems to satisfy them.
WAYS TO RESPOND
Provide items for children to touch and do as they learn to
solve problems. Allow time and space for children. Help children
solve problems in age-appropriate ways. For example, when children
whine, give them choices to solve the problem. For example, say,
"You may use your regular voice or you may be quiet" instead of
"Don't whine!" When 4-year-olds go out of bounds, define
appropriate solutions. Praise 5-year-olds' problem-solving
skills.
AGES 3 to 5 years
Jody Capehart is an author and a Christian education
consultant and speaker in Texas.
Copyright© Group Publishing, Inc. / Children's Ministry
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