Problem Solving

Part of our math curriculum includes problem solving.
We have specific procedures when going through the problem
solving process.  Each teacher will differ slightly, but 
for the most part the problem solving process will look 
very similar.  First, the children will read the problem
with the teacher.  This could be on the overhead, in the 
math journal, etc.  The children will identify the numbers
in the story and the unit for each number.  For example,
you have 3 cars and 2 marbles.  How many toys do you have 
to play with?  The children discuss the number 3 and circle
it.  The teacher will ask 3 what?  The children will state
the unit (cars) and then box the unit.  The same procedure 
will be done for the next number in the problem.  Next, the
teacher will ask what it is we are trying to solve or 
figure out.  Once the children understand what we are 
trying to figure out, we underline the question.  Now
that we have looked at the problem closely, we decide if 
we are going to put things together, take things away or 
use a different method.  Then, we share several ways that 
we could solve the problem.  Once we have discussed ways to
solve the problem, we are able to begin implementing the
various strageties to come up with a solution.  When the 
children have moved to independently drawing out their 
strategies, we will share different ways to solve the 
problem.  We will discuss how they came up with their
answers.  It is very important not to leave out the 
discussion component of problem solving.  When a child 
explains his/her thinking, he/she begins to own that 
strategy and is more likely to use it again successfully
next time.  The above scenario is a snapshot of what 
problem looks like in our kindergarten classroom.  If
you have any other questions please let me know.