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Problem Solving Skills for Better Decisions

This curriculum teaches how to make good choices under uncertainty — weighing options, spotting bias, and judging a decision by its process, not just its outcome. But before you can compare options, you have to know what problem you are actually trying to solve. That is where problem solving comes in.

This page is the local doorway into the Literacy for Kids Problem Solving Toolkit, connected to the clear thinking this curriculum builds.

A few core ideas​

  • A clear problem statement leads to better choices. Naming the decision keeps you from solving the wrong one.
  • Missing information can change a decision. What you don't know yet matters as much as what you do.
  • More than one option usually exists. Two options create a choice; three let you compare.
  • Results are information for the next decision. Every outcome teaches you something about your process.

When this shows up​

  • When you are not sure what choice you are actually making
  • When a decision has too many options
  • When you need more information before deciding
  • When a choice turns out differently than expected
  • When you want to improve your decision process

Tools that help​

  • Problem statement — "The decision I need to make is ___."
  • Facts / guesses / missing information table — sort what you know from what you assume.
  • Three options — list at least three before choosing.
  • Observe and adjust — after the result, ask what to change next time.
Problem Solving Moment

Before comparing options, name the problem clearly: "The decision I need to make is ___." A clear problem statement keeps you from solving the wrong problem.

Everyday problems and safe next steps

These are everyday problem-solving tools, not therapy, legal advice, or medical advice. Kids should not be expected to solve unsafe, dangerous, or adult-sized problems alone. If a problem involves danger, serious distress, health concerns, legal trouble, bullying, or anything that feels unsafe, involve a trusted adult right away.

Where to go next​

The full toolkit has short lessons on naming the problem, sorting facts from guesses, breaking problems into parts, brainstorming options, trying one safe step, observing results, and adjusting:

For quick-reference cards, see the hub Printable Problem Solving Cards.