Ever introduced a math problem only to be met with groans, sighs, or blank stares? 🙃 We’ve all been there. Whether it’s a word problem, a number riddle, or an open-ended prompt, problem solving can be a tricky skill for young learners…and a tricky one to teach, too.
But here’s the thing: problem solving is one of the most important skills our students will ever develop. It’s what helps them think critically, reason logically, and apply what they’ve learned to real-life situations. And the earlier we build those skills, the better!
Keep reading to learn about my favorite low-prep way to make problem solving a daily habit {and one that your students will actually enjoy}
Why Problem Solving in Math Matters {Even When It Feels Hard}
Problem solving isn’t just a box to check on your math standards. It’s the heart of mathematical thinking.
When students are given opportunities to work through challenges, they:
- Practice perseverance
- Learn to make sense of problems
- Discover that there’s often more than one “right” way
- Develop confidence in their reasoning
And maybe most importantly? They get better at thinking, not just calculating.
Why Problem Solving Is Tricky for First Graders
Let’s be real — problem-solving can be tough for six- and seven-year-olds. It’s not always the math that trips them up. It’s the thinking through the math. Haven’t YOU ever frozen at reading one as an adult {Honestly, I still have no idea when that train will arrive at Station B 🤣}
Here are some of the most common challenges:
- They don’t know where to start
- They can’t visualize the situation
- They second-guess their answers
- They’re afraid to get it “wrong”
That’s why they need consistent, supportive practice in small, bite-sized chunks.
Make Problem Solving a Daily Habit {Without Adding More to Your Plate}
The best way to help students become confident problem solvers? Let them solve just one problem a day.
One quick problem each day gives students a chance to stretch their brains without overwhelming them. It becomes part of your classroom rhythm – whether it’s morning work, a warm-up, or a math center.
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Plus, when kids expect to see a problem each day, they start approaching them with curiosity instead of dread.
Here are a few ideas for making it stick:
- Keep the problems short and simple — no more than a few sentences
- Offer different types: number riddles, real-life scenarios, open-ended challenges
- Encourage students to show their thinking in more than one way {drawings, number sentences, or explaining to a partner}
- Celebrate different strategies — there’s no one-size-fits-all!
My Favorite Way to Add Daily Problem Solving {That’s Actually Fun}
If you want to make problem-solving part of your daily routine without prepping new materials every day, I’ve got just the thing.
My Daily Problem Solvers bundle includes 20 quick and engaging problems for each month – designed specifically for first graders.
Here’s what I love most:
- The first half of the month focuses on problems with one clear answer
- The second half includes open-ended prompts to encourage creativity
- They’re printed on half-sheets to save paper
- You can copy them into booklets for the month {yay for NO daily prep!}
- Students get to draw, write, and explain their thinking — perfect for building math reasoning
From apples and crayons to mystery numbers and grouping challenges, these problems connect to students’ lives and scaffold their growth across the year.
Let’s Talk: How Do You Build Problem Solving Into Your Day?
Do you have a go-to routine for problem solving in your math block? What’s worked well (or not so well) in your classroom? I’d love to hear how you help your students build their thinking muscles.
Want to Try It Out?
Try making problem-solving part of your daily math routine {even just for five minutes a day!} You’ll be amazed at how much growth you see by the end of the month.
👉 Download a sample of the August Problem Solvers
👉 Or grab the full year bundle here to keep the momentum going all year long.
Let’s make math time something your students look forward to — one problem at a time. 🧠✨
