Problem Solving Activities
Here are a number of games and puzzles to help children, or teachers and helpers develop their problem solving skills:
1. Cross Puzzle:
Print pictures of the most complicated cross (or other picture) onto thin card and then cut it into five or more odd shaped pieces. Children then race to piece together the cross, without knowing what it looks like.
2. Drawing Puzzle:
Give out pencils and paper to everybody. Each person must work alone and draw an open envelope picture. But, they cannot cross or retrace a line or lift the pencil. Award small prizes to those who get it right.
3. Problem Minefield:
Teams must work out what they will do to solve a problem. After a time limit, each team choose a member who will report back their solution plan. The whole group then discusses the solutions and chooses the best one. Here are a number of sample problems for them to solve, and decide what they as an individual need to do:
4. Report Writing:
Teams write notes about the rules, values and vision of their Sunday School, Children's Church or day school, and the typical discipline, behaviour and relationship problems that are experienced, and how they would solve them.
5. Making Placards:
For this one you will need large cardboard sheets and sets of Koki or marker pens for each team. They must draw a placard using words and pictures to show solutions to the most common discipline, behaviour and relationship problems they face.
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