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.