P is for Problem Solver
Skills for Life
Problem solving starts from a very young age – we’ve all watched a toddler try to put the right shape in to the right box, or find the correct puzzle piece. And when they solve that challenge how do they feel? Well, it gives them a sense of accomplishment, thus helping to build their confidence; teaches them that perseverance pays off; and promotes critical thinking and conflict resolution. What’s more, supporting their application of these learned skills enables them to transfer them to real life problems of which life throws us many! From simple puzzles to STEM toys, we’ve put together a run down of our favourite problem solving brands for kids.
Melissa & Doug
Melissa & Doug’s range of bright toys have been designed to ignite imagination and wonder enabling children to discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose! A brand after our own heart! From beautiful chunky wooden puzzles, shape sorters and lock & latch boards for pre-schoolers to the brilliant Suspend – a hanging balance game which helps kids learn how to balance and counterbalance, take smart risks and foresee consequences, the collection encourages problem-solving, logical thinking, goal setting and patience! https://www.elc.co.uk/brands/melissa-and-doug
BigJigs
Another toy brand which produces gorgeous wooden toys and of whom we’re big fans is BigJigs. With child development and education at the very heart, BigJigs firmly believe in learning through play. Like Melissa & Doug, their brightly coloured jigsaw puzzles provide valuable insight in to perspective and problem solving for little ones as they try to fit the pieces together. Other products in their wide range which encourage problem solving include their balancing games, maths sets and Mag-Play puzzles. https://www.bigjigstoys.co.uk/
Brilliant Brainz Mag
Educational magazine, Brilliant Brainz, covers art, music, wellbeing, science, culture and more, encouraging creative thinking for kids aged 6-12 years of age. Written by experts and qualified teaching professionals, it not only inspires kids to question what’s around them, exploring the many wonders of our exciting and diverse world but it includes lots of challenges and quizzes to solve and get their brains buzzing! https://www.brilliantbrainz.com/
Rubik’s Cube
An oldy but a goodie! The Rubik’s Cube is surely the original problem-solving toy which has been bamboozling kids and adults alike since it was first invented in 1974! It has been calculated that there are in fact a whopping 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 ways to arrange the squares, but just one of those combinations is correct! Perfect for teaching children the art of perseverance when faced with a problem, the sequential reasoning involved is applicable to many other types of problems and, once it is solved, it also gives them the opportunity to experience that wonderful sense of achievement! Of course, it is also keeps kids entertained for hours making it ideal for long journeys or for throwing in your holiday packing. https://www.rubiks.com/en-us/
The Curiosity Box
Solving problems is a key component of STEM learning which is at the heart of The Curiosity Box. Designed and put together by a team of thinkers, tinkerers and testers made up of bright young Oxford scientists and engineers, people who have worked in schools and lots of mums, Curiosity Boxes inspire children to explore, discover and invent with fun, hands-on science and engineering activities.
Also worth checking out is website, Science Sparks. Founded by mum to two, Emma, its packed full of fun science experiments which kids aged 4-11 can easily replicate at home with little to no cost.