Grades K-1
29 activities—192 pages

Introduce young learners to effective problem-solving strategies through numerous hands-on, playful investigations. From placing vegetables in Mr. McGregor’s garden to using goldfish crackers to act out story problems, students will build a foundation of problem-solving techniques. The engaging tasks also allow learners to apply and expand their number, computation, geometry, data organization, and algebra skills.

Solve It! K-1: Problem-Solving Strategies addresses
•    guess and check
•    look for patterns
•    use manipulatives
•    draw out the problem
•    use logical thinking
•    write a number sentence
•    work backwards, and
•    organize the information.

Teachers will appreciate how each strategy is broken down, defined, and then reinforced through hands-on activities that use the strategy to solve problems. There are also practice problems in the back of the book in which students must decide which problem-solving strategy to use. These problems can be creatively used—as morning work, during the few minutes before buses are called or lunch is served, etc.—as a means to further discuss and review the eight strategies.

This book will supply students with a toolbox of techniques to draw from when approaching problems. These skills will serve them well not only in mathematics, but also in other academic subjects and their everyday lives.