problem solving skit ideas

Heart-Mind Online

Lesson plan: skits to solve school problems in peaceful ways.

• Gets Along with Others
• Solves Problems Peacefully

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to:

identify what getting along looks, sounds and feels like

identify peaceful choices in common school/classroom problems

practice working through "school or classroom conflicts" faced at school

reflect on the cause of the "problem" or conflict, the feelings that exist during conflict and the potential actions to solve them peacefully

Materials Required:

White board (brainstorm, discussion notes)

iPad (for filming)

any props or materials needed for student skits

projector to show or present the recorded skits

Teaching and Learning Activities:

• ACTIVATE THINKING:  Write “Solving Problems Peacefully” on the board. As a class, discuss what "peace" and "peacefully" [ 2 ] means. Note that peace is not about avoiding conflict entirely or being compliant, disengaged or coerced into behaving a certain way.
• Introduce the idea of school conflict and brainstorm a list of typical problems or conflicts students face regularly. Record student responses on the board for students to reference after
• Pick one example and have student volunteers come to the front of the class and improvise the scenario for the class. Discuss WHY this conflict or problem existed. Topics that may arise include power imbalances, self-esteem, miscommunication and assumptions. Discuss the emotions that are potentially felt by those involved in the conflict scenario.
• Brainstorm what possible actions (by those involved or bystanders) might help solve this conflict or problem in peaceful ways.
• Small Group Task - explain that students will work in small groups to create and act out a typical school/classroom based conflict or problem. Suggest that each group select a problem listed from the brainstorm.  In addition to the problem skit, each group will be required to discuss strategies to solving that problem scenario peacefully, choose one and act it out as a “peaceful solution.” (Prompt groups to think about what the conflict looks, sounds and feels like.)
• Film each group’s skits individually as they are ready. Each group will act out the problem and then their peaceful solution.
• Once filming is complete - watch the videos together as a class. For each small group’s video, show the problem skit first, then pause the video to hold a large group discussion on ideas to solve the scenario peacefully. Finally, show the group’s filmed version of their peaceful solution. Repeat this process for each group’s video.
• Challenge students to watch for these conflicts around the school and in the classroom to apply what they have learned.

Adaptations:

Prearrange the small groups to pair certain students together in terms of ability or support.

Students who are too shy can choose to take on a "directing role" if they don't want to be in the film.

Each group could have a presenter or co-hosts to discuss their video with the class.

Nervous students can have non-speaking roles

Shy groups may need encouragement and help "scripting" what to say

Follow-up Activities:

Have students reflect on the lesson in a journal entry

Older classes could share these videos with younger students through “buddy” relationships or leadership lessons

• Conflict Resolution
• Middle Years

In a study of 307 teens, higher levels of empathy was found to be linked with more successful problem solving and conflict resolution.

Solving problems peacefully means using empathy, understanding other points of view and actively coming up with strategies to make things right in a fair way, while respecting others and themselves.

Three approaches to foster peaceful classrooms include:

• Create a space and emotional environment that will have universal impact.
• Explicitly teach positive communication strategies to build a repertoire of easily accessible skills.
• Engage in activities that integrate strategies and develop peaceful habits of mind.  

Home » Games » 17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids, Adults and Teens]

17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids, Adults and Teens]

Everyone should learn problem solving, as it is important in both our personal and professional lives. Problems occur all around us and many people react with spontaneous emotion. Instead, effective use of problem solving skills can lead to rational thinking, a component of any successful endeavor.

Creative problem involves using one or more of the basic steps of problem solving in exercises designed to challenge the thinking. Problem solving activities work for every age group. In this article, we will present problem-solving activities for adults and kids. We will also provide you with group and team building problem solving ideas.

Table of Contents

There are four basic steps in problem solving:

• define the problem
• generate possible solutions
• evaluate and select possible solutions
• implement solutions

Problem solving activities use one of more of these steps.

Group Problem Solving Activities

Group activities provide an effective way to learn problem-solving skills. The following list of activities present problem solving skills in the form of games, a non-threatening and fun way.

Divide your group into teams of equal numbers. Give each team a ball of yarn. Instruct the teams to create a web using only the yarn. Once the teams have finished (you may have to set an amount of time for completion), switch the teams around so that every team has a web other than their own. Each team then blindfolds one team member. The goal is for the blindfolded individual to unwind the web following the verbal instruction of their teammates. In order to be successful, team members must concentrate, and give/follow directions. The first team that has dismantled the web wins this game.

To Do Scavenger Hunt

This scavenger hunt game involves solving a list of problem activities. Begin by dividing your group into teams. Give each group a list of to do activities. The list should begin with some simple tasks, with increasingly more difficult activities. Some suggested activities are:

• Write a one hundred word poem on a given theme.
• Find an object readily available in the area in which you are playing
• Drink a whole can or glass of a liquid
• Solve a Sudoku or cross word puzzle
• Write out all the lyrics of a song (a Christmas carol works well at holiday time)

The team that completes all the activities first, wins.

Impromptu Skits

Prior to playing this game, write down a few appropriate situations that deal events in the venue in which you are playing. For example, for a group involved in customer service, use dealing with an angry customer on the phone. If you have a large group, divide them into teams of six to eight members. Have each group choose a folded piece of paper on which you have written the subject of a skit they must create.  Give a set amount of time to prepare the skit and then have each team present their skit to the group. If you have a small group, have each person create one side of a conversation dealing with the problem for presentation to everyone.

Block Duplicating

Build a model out of building blocks. Provide each group member (or divide into teams for a large group ) enough blocks to duplicate the model. Set a specific amount of time for completing the duplicated model. The team that is the first to finish – or gets the furthest on completing their model – wins. The more difficult the original model, the longer this task will take.

Team Building Problem Solving Activities

When choosing team building problem solving activities, make sure the game you use suits the group of people – their ages and interests. The activities we have listed will help with not only problem solving, but also build decision making, collaboration, and listening skills.

Tower Building

Although there are many variations to this game, this one using spaghetti and marsh mellows is our favorite. Divide you group into teams with an equal number of players. Provide each team with an equal amount of spaghetti and marsh mellows. The goal is to see which team can build the highest tower within a set amount of time.

Personalized Crossword

For this game to be effective, you need one or more teams of 8 to 10 people. Have each team list the first and last names of their group members. The goal is to create a crossword puzzle with clues composed of hints about the person, for example, if only one team member has red hair, the two clues for her first and last name could be, “Red hair,” and “Ginger.” It should take each team 20 to 30 minutes to complete their puzzle. When all the teams are finished, trade puzzles so that every team has a different one. Make sure you provide a list of names for the puzzle solvers.

Picture Pieces Puzzle Game

Prepare for this problem solving activity by choosing a well-known picture or cartoon full of detail. Cut the picture into equal sized squares and give one to each member of the group. You will need as many pieces as you have participants. Additionally, give each person a pencil, ruler for help enlarging the picture, colored markers, and a clean sheet of paper. Instruct them to make the puzzle piece five times larger.

Problem Solving Activities for Adults

Divide your group into two teams. Line up the two teams front to back. Have the two groups face each other. Using chalk, spray paint, or masking tape (depending on the play surface) mark a square space for each person to stand on with one extra empty space between the two facing rows. You may also use a piece of paper for each person. The goal is for the two facing lines of players to change places.

Place these restrictions on movement:

• Only one person may move at a time.
• A person may not move around anyone facing the same direction.
• A person may not move backward.
• A person may not move around more than one person on the other team at a time.

Playing Card Mix-up

Divide your group into teams of six to eight participants. Give each team two decks of cards randomly mixed together. Tell the group they must sort them out without talking. As they working at the task, after a few minutes, change the way in which they are doing so using one of the following:

• If a team is sorting by suits from ace to king (4 stacks), tell them to collect the suits together by number (13 stacks).
• If a team begins by collecting the suits together, i.e. all the ones, twos, threes, etc., tell them to sort the suits from ace to king.

The team(s) that do so successfully by the end of a given time (depending on the size of your group) share what methods they used to accomplish the task.

Blindfolded games are always fun and provide the perfect challenge for adult problem solving. We have provided two for you.

Blind Formations

Have your group of adults put on blindfolds and form a large circle. Tie the ends of a rope together and lay in it a circle in the middle of the group, close enough that each person can reach down and pick up the rope. Tell them they must create a shape – a square, triangle, pentagon, etc. If you have a very large group, divide them into teams and provide a rope for each team. Let them compete to see who forms a particular shape quickest.

Line up Blind

Blindfold everyone and number the group by whispering a number to each individual beginning at one. Tell them to line up in numerical order without talking. Variations are many, with some of the favorites not requiring the whispering step being to line up according to height, birthday, surname, color of hair, etc.

Balloon Tower

Divide you group into teams of three and provide ten balloons and four 3-foot long strips of masking tape for each team. The object of this problem solving activity is to build the tallest freestanding tower in ten minutes. They can break the balloons if they wish. However, they may not use any additional materials and the tower must be built on a table or the floor. If you wish, you may add the following instructions:

• No talking.
• Each team member may use only one hand.
• One team member may not touch the materials and only give directions.

You can use one or more of these limitations in 60-second intervals. The first team to complete their tower wins this challenge.

Problem Solving Activities for Kids

The purpose of problem solving activities for kids is to get kids to think about a problem in a different way and have fun while solving it. Children will develop their creativity as they seek to implement a solution.

Walking the Plank

For this problem solving activity for older kids or teens, you will need four 2×6 boards. Divide your group into two teams with an equal number of children on each team. Place two of the four boards end to end on the ground or floor. Set the other two parallel to the first two about two or three feet apart. The goal is for each team to pass one board forward while standing on the other board in single file. If someone steps off a board, the team must start over. The team that succeeds in passing the boards a set number of times, or reaches a predetermined spot is the winner.

“Laser” Web

Use a large ball of string to create a giant web from one end of a room to the other. The goal is for individuals or teams to move through the web without touching the string. If they do so, they have been “zapped by a laser” and must try again. For greater suspense and for older players, use blindfolds or turn off the lights, allowing players to touch the string, but not pull it down or out of its original shape.

Group Drawing

Divide your group of kids into teams of three. Each person on the team has a one of the following roles:

• Drawer . The drawer attempts to recreate a pre-drawn design they cannot see. They take directions from the talker. They stand with their back to the talker and viewer and may not talk.
• Talker . The talker describes the design to the drawer, without seeing the design. They may question the viewer. They may not use hand gestures.
• Viewer . The viewer sees the design. However, they are not allowed to talk and must communicate nonverbally to the talker.  Additionally, they must not draw the design in the air or actually show the design with their gestures.

The activity ends when the viewers say they are satisfied with the drawings. You may wish to award a prize to the best drawing.

Prior to playing this game, write on individual slips of paper the names of animal pairs, one name on each slip. Distribute the slips of paper to each group, instructing them not to share which animal name they received. The kids then move around performing activities their animal might do. The goal is for the kids to get into pairs successfully in a set amount of time without talking or making any noises. Suggest the following activities:

• Cleaning or grooming
• Eating and drinking
• Walking or running

Alphabet Game

Have your players sit or stand in a circle. The goal is to shout out words in alphabetical order. Give the kids one of the following categories (or choose your own):

If a player takes longer than five seconds to think of a word, they are out. The last player remaining wins the game.

People achieve more when they solve problems and make decisions together. Our problem solving activities teach participants how to work out a solution, a talent useful in many different environments. Problem solving:

• Improves team work
• Helps participants address complex situations
• Utilizes different thinking styles
• Increases creativity
• Collectively leads to decision making
• Teaches both negotiation and cooperation

After completing a problem solving activity, encourage participants to discuss what process(es) they used in the exercise. Even kids are able to participate in such discussions. Also ask what was learned and if they have any opinions about how they could have solved the problem more efficiently.

Team-building exercises can improve problem solving and decision making in a new or established team. They work with every age group and in many different environments. Use our exercises to help solve problems and have some fun doing so.

Susan majored in English with a double minor in Humanities and Business at Arizona State University and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Liberty University. She taught grades four through twelve in both public and private schools. Subjects included English, U.S. and world history and geography, math, earth and physical science, Bible, information technologies, and creative writing.

Susan has been freelance writing for over ten years, during which time she has written and edited books, newspaper articles, biographies, book reviews, guidelines, neighborhood descriptions for realtors, Power Point presentations, resumes, and numerous other projects.

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Thanks for your help!!

excellent ideas – thanks !

Excellent ideas.

Thank you. My students have requested we do team-building activities; I thought we would start with problem-solving.

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Speech is Beautiful

10 Wordless Videos that Teach Problem Solving

Education · Tips

I work in teletherapy, which means that I use a computer to display my materials and activities for my students. I have a couple extremely quiet older elementary students and I decided that video was a way to engage and encourage them to answer questions and retell events. In particular I wanted them to think about solving hypothetical problems. I found 10 WORDLESS videos on YouTube that show interesting problems and make kids think about how to solve a problem — and they have to provide the language!

10 Wordless Videos I Love

• Piper Short Movie — A baby bird finds a way to survive a big wave. 
• Ormie the Pig — A pig attempts to get a jar of cookies off of the top of the fridge. 
• Let Me In! — Simon’s cat wants to come inside and makes some bad decisions!
• Sweet Cocoon — Figuring out how to fit in your cocoon is hard work.
• Rollin Safari  — What would animals be like if they were round? 
• Embarked — Should a tree house follow its friend? (minimal English words at the end)
• TV Dinner — What should you do if your cat won’t leave you alone? (Simon’s cat)
• Playmate — An old robot toy wants to play. Will the boy play with it? 
• Birds on a Wire  — Learn how you should treat others (that are different than you)
• Sticky Tape — What should the cat do when tape is sticking to him? (Simon’s cat)

Since it’s YouTube, so you must preview each video and usually there is an ad in front of it. I would get each video cued up (after the ad) and then share it with students. You will be surprised how much language you will get from your quietest kids as they figure out how to solve the characters’ problems. Enjoy!

If you LOVE wordless videos, check out my other post:

• 10 Absurd Wordless Videos that Teach Describing .
• 10 Wordless Videos for Speech Therapy that Teach Inferencing .

Additionally, I created a line of wordless videos focused on life skills. Check it out here:

• Wordless Life Skills: Recipe Video Series

Can you tell how much I like using video, specifically wordless videos, in my speech therapy sessions? They are a terrific, engaging therapy tool.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

March 30, 2017 at 7:54 am

Dear Sarah I really find this interesting nd liked it lot thnx for u to sharing with us I m also teacher nd from Pakistan

April 5, 2017 at 8:40 am

Thank you for sharing this Sarah! I teach in a dual language program and these videos are exactly what I was looking for.

April 5, 2017 at 10:52 pm

Thank you for letting me know! 🙂

April 5, 2017 at 4:15 pm

Just wanted to point out that the movie “Fat” might not be too appropriate for kids if you pay attention to the details….

Thank you for commenting. The title is off-putting, but when viewed the short, I saw that the animals turn into balloons and float around. If you feel like that is not appropriate for your students, you can omit sharing that with them.

April 7, 2017 at 9:08 pm

I wasn’t meaning the title. I was meaning the part where the cow he was milking floats away and then he ‘milks’ a bull…

Comedy Skit Battle

Get ready to laugh: comedy skit battle will have everyone in stitches.

• Takes 60 minutes
• Average difficulty
• 4-24 participants

What is Comedy Skit Battle?

The Comedy Skit Battle icebreaker is an engaging and enjoyable activity designed to break the ice, improve team dynamics, and develop communication skills in a lighthearted environment. As a facilitator, I would prepare by gathering materials like notepads, pencils, a hat or bowl for drawing themes, and any props or costumes available. I would ensure there’s enough space for performances and seating for the audience, with chairs arranged in a semi-circle facing the ‘stage’ area. Participants would be divided into teams and introduced to the rules: each team picks a theme at random, prepares a skit within a set time limit, and performs it within a specific duration while adhering to appropriate content guidelines.

During the activity, I would encourage creativity, humor, and proactivity as teams brainstorm ideas, allocate roles, plan choreographies, and incorporate props into their skits. The remaining preparation time is used for rehearsals, focusing on timing, improvisation, and teamwork. Performances are then judged by a panel or through audience applause, followed by constructive feedback.

To wrap up the Comedy Skit Battle, I would announce the winners, acknowledge all participants for their efforts, and highlight memorable moments. Depending on the setting, prizes or certificates could be offered to further recognize participant achievements. Incorporating specific themes relevant to the workplace or lesson material, wild cards for a challenging twist, or voting categories for individual recognition are variants that can add excitement and inclusivity to the activity.

The Comedy Skit Battle icebreaker effectively breaks barriers, energizes participants, and fosters creativity in group settings. Through humorous skits, teams strengthen their bond, creating a positive atmosphere that carries over into more serious settings.

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Rules for Comedy Skit Battle

• Each team picks a theme or genre at random for their comedy skit.
• Teams are given a set time to brainstorm, prepare and script their skits.
• Skits should last no longer than the pre-determined time, usually 3-5 minutes.
• Use of props is encouraged but not mandatory.
• All content must be appropriate for the audience.
• Teams rehearse their skits before performance.
• Teams present their skits one by one in a pre-decided order.
• A formal panel of judges or audience applause meter decides the winning team.
• Constructive feedback is provided after each performance.
• The winners are announced and every participant is acknowledged for their effort.

Materials needed for Comedy Skit Battle

• Notepad and pencil: Participants can use these to jot down ideas and write their scripts during the brainstorming phase.
• Stopwatch: This is used to time the skits during the performance round, ensuring they do not exceed the pre-determined time limit.
• Hat or bowl: This container holds the slips of paper with the randomly drawn themes. It can also be used for other elements like ‘wild cards’ if you decide to incorporate them into your game.
• Props or costumes (optional): These add an extra layer of fun and creativity to the skits. They are not mandatory but can enhance the performance experience for participants.

Setting up for Comedy Skit Battle

To set up for the Comedy Skit Battle icebreaker activity, follow these steps:

Secure a suitable space: Find a spacious room that can accommodate both the performers and the audience. The room should have enough area for teams to stage their performances. Arrange chairs in a semi-circle or theater style, facing the ‘stage’ area.

Divide participants into teams: Determine the number of teams based on the total number of participants. Ideally, each team should consist of 4 to 6 members to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate actively.

Prepare themes or genres: Prepare a list of potential themes or genres that teams could draw from the hat/bowl. Make sure these options are diverse and exciting enough to spark creativity and interest among participants.

Define rules and guidelines: Clearly communicate the rules and expectations for the activity, including time limits, prop usage, and content appropriateness. Ensure all participants understand and agree to the guidelines before beginning the icebreaker.

Allow adequate preparation time: Schedule sufficient time for teams to brainstorm ideas, prepare their scripts, rehearse, and make any necessary adjustments before performance time. This usually requires at least 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the number of participants and teams.

By carefully planning these aspects of the Comedy Skit Battle icebreaker activity, you will create a supportive and engaging environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and communication among participants.

How to play Comedy Skit Battle

1. Prepare the Materials and Space - Gather notepads, pencils, a hat or bowl, a stopwatch, and any props or costumes you may want to use. - Find a large room with enough space for performances and seating for the audience. Arrange chairs in a semi-circle facing the ‘stage’ area.

2. Create Teams and Define the Rules - Divide participants into sub-groups of 4-6 members to ensure everyone can participate actively. - Explain that each team will pick a theme or genre at random, prepare a skit within a set time limit, and perform it within a specified time frame (e.g., 3-5 minutes). - Encourage the use of props and remind participants that all content must be appropriate for the audience.

3. Begin the Brainstorming & Scripting Phase - Have teams huddle together to discuss their themes, brainstorm ideas, and create a rudimentary script or outline. - Teams should allocate roles, plan choreographies, and figure out how to incorporate props (if any) during this phase.

4. Move on to the Rehearsal Stage - Allow teams to use the remaining preparation time for quick rehearsals, focusing on timing cues, improvising dialogues, and improving teamwork.

5. Commence Performances - Have teams perform their skits one by one in a pre-determined order. - Encourage spontaneity and audience engagement to create a fun atmosphere where participants can resurrect falling skits through improvisation or interaction.

6. Determine the Winning Team - Decide on winners using a formal panel of judges, an applause meter, or another voting system. - Provide mild, constructive feedback for learning purposes.

7. Wrap Up the Activity - Announce the winning team and acknowledge every participant’s effort. - Highlight memorable moments or performances to create a sense of accomplishment and boost morale.

8. Consider Variations - Use specific themes relevant to the workplace or lesson material. - Introduce ‘wild cards’ like sudden props, restrictions, or additional lines/themes mid-performance for an added challenge. - Incorporate a voting system where teams can vote on categories such as “Best Actor” or “Most Creative Skit.”

Benefits of Comedy Skit Battle

Boosts Creativity: Engaging in the Comedy Skit Battle icebreaker encourages participants to tap into their creative thinking skills, as they devise humorous skits based on randomly drawn themes or genres. This fosters an environment where originality and innovation are celebrated, leading to improved problem-solving abilities and out-of-the-box thinking in other areas of life.

Enhances Communication Skills: By participating in this activity, individuals hone their verbal and non-verbal communication skills through scriptwriting, rehearsing, and performing skits. These improved communication abilities translate to more effective collaboration and rapport-building in professional and personal settings.

Fosters Teamwork: The Comedy Skit Battle requires participants to work together in small groups to brainstorm ideas, allocate roles, and create entertaining skits. This collaborative process strengthens interpersonal relationships, promotes trust among team members, and instills a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Builds Confidence: Stepping out of one’s comfort zone to perform in front of others can significantly boost self-confidence. Participants learn to embrace their imperfections, think on their feet, and engage with an audience – skills that can be applied to public speaking engagements, presentations, or any situation requiring self-assurance.

Encourages Active Listening: As participants watch their peers’ performances, they practice active listening, paying attention to dialogue, humor, and storytelling techniques. This heightened attentiveness not only enhances enjoyment of the skits but also promotes better listening skills in everyday conversations and meetings.

Promotes Positive Interactions: The lighthearted nature of the Comedy Skit Battle icebreaker fosters a friendly atmosphere, where laughter, joy, and camaraderie flourish. These positive interactions help break down barriers between participants, reducing social anxiety and creating an inclusive environment that encourages open communication.

Provides Stress Relief: Engaging in humor and playful activities has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. By participating in the Comedy Skit Battle, individuals can momentarily forget their daily worries, recharge their mental batteries, and return to tasks with renewed energy and focus.

Facilitates Learning: Incorporating specific themes relevant to workplace dynamics or classroom material can help reinforce learning objectives while providing a fun and engaging way for participants to absorb information. Additionally, the debriefing session following the activity offers valuable insights and constructive feedback, enhancing understanding of key concepts.

Encourages Adaptability: The optional inclusion of ‘wild cards’ during performances challenges teams to think on their feet and adapt quickly to unexpected changes. This skill is crucial in today’s fast-paced world, where agility and resilience are essential for success.

Boosts Morale: Recognizing participants’ efforts through awards or certificates of participation creates a sense of accomplishment and pride, reinforcing positive behaviors and boosting overall morale. This increased motivation can lead to improved job satisfaction, productivity, and team performance in professional settings.

Skills built with Comedy Skit Battle

• Teamwork: The Comedy Skit Battle encourages participants to work together towards a common goal, promoting collaboration and strengthening interpersonal relationships. By dividing individuals into teams, they learn to trust, support, and build upon each other’s ideas in a fun and engaging way.
• Creativity: This icebreaker challenges participants to think outside the box and develop original, humorous concepts within a limited time frame. In doing so, it fosters creative thinking and problem-solving skills, allowing individuals to approach tasks from new perspectives and explore innovative solutions.
• Communication: The Comedy Skit Battle places a strong emphasis on clear and effective communication among team members. Through scriptwriting, rehearsal, and performance, participants hone their verbal and non-verbal communication skills, ensuring that their messages are conveyed clearly and succinctly to their audience.
• Public Speaking: By performing in front of an audience, participants build confidence in their public speaking abilities. They learn to project their voices, maintain eye contact, and engage with the crowd, helping them become more comfortable presenting information or ideas in various settings.
• Leadership: The activity presents opportunities for natural leaders to emerge, guiding their teams through brainstorming sessions, rehearsals, and performances. By observing how these individuals manage group dynamics, delegate tasks, and motivate others, participants can develop their own leadership styles and learn from successful role models.
• Adaptability: The optional inclusion of ‘wild cards’ during the skit performances encourages participants to think on their feet and adapt to unexpected changes or challenges. This skill is crucial in both professional and personal settings, as it enables individuals to remain calm under pressure and find creative solutions to problems that may arise.
• Empathy: Watching fellow teammates perform and supporting one another throughout the activity fosters empathy among participants. They learn to understand and appreciate each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique contributions, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment.
• Self-confidence: Successfully completing a comedy skit in front of an audience can significantly boost participants’ self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. This increased self-assurance translates into various aspects of their lives, empowering them to take on new challenges and speak up when necessary.

Why I like Comedy Skit Battle

I appreciate the Comedy Skit Battle icebreaker for its ability to effectively break down barriers between participants and foster a positive atmosphere. This activity is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various settings, from corporate events to classroom environments. By encouraging creativity, humor, and teamwork, the Comedy Skit Battle helps improve communication skills in a lighthearted yet engaging manner.

As someone who enjoys creative problem-solving and collaborative efforts, I find this icebreaker particularly appealing. The combination of brainstorming, scriptwriting, rehearsal, and performance allows individuals to contribute their unique perspectives while working together towards a common goal. This process not only strengthens team dynamics but also provides an opportunity for participants to showcase their talents and step out of their comfort zones in a supportive environment.

Another reason I enjoy the Comedy Skit Battle is its adaptability. Incorporating specific themes relevant to the workplace or lesson material can make the activity more engaging and meaningful. Additionally, optional ‘wild cards’ and voting categories introduce an element of surprise and recognition that further motivates participants.

The Comedy Skit Battle icebreaker has the power to create memorable experiences and bring people together through laughter and shared accomplishment. It serves as a reminder that even in professional or educational settings, there is always room for playfulness and creativity, which can lead to stronger relationships and improved collaboration among team members.

Tips for making Comedy Skit Battle more inclusive

• Tip: Use Inclusive Themes: When preparing the themes for the skits, ensure they are diverse and inclusive, representing various cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. This step can help create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
• Tip: Provide Accessibility Options: If some participants have mobility issues or other disabilities, provide accommodations such as seating arrangements or props that align with their abilities. Encourage teams to incorporate these adjustments into their skits to promote inclusivity.
• Tip: Emphasize Respectful Language: Remind participants to use respectful language during the activity, avoiding stereotypes, offensive jokes, or derogatory terms. Establishing this expectation upfront can prevent uncomfortable situations and foster a positive atmosphere.
• Tip: Encourage Active Participation: Make it clear that all team members should have an opportunity to contribute to their skit, regardless of their background or skill level. This approach ensures that everyone has a chance to engage and feel included in the activity.
• Tip: Promote Cultural Sensitivity: If you choose to incorporate specific cultural themes into the skits, ensure that they are represented accurately and respectfully. Consult with knowledgeable individuals from those cultures to provide guidance and feedback on the skits’ content.
• Tip: Facilitate a Safe Space: Clearly communicate that the Comedy Skit Battle is meant to be a lighthearted, fun activity, where participants should feel comfortable making mistakes and learning from them. Encourage positive reinforcement and constructive criticism among teams, creating an atmosphere of support and camaraderie.

Reflection questions for Comedy Skit Battle

• What was your favorite part of the Comedy Skit Battle activity? Understanding what participants enjoyed most can provide insights into their preferred ways of learning and interacting with others, which is useful information for facilitators to consider in future activities.
• How did working in a team for this activity affect your comfort level when performing the skit? This question can help reveal how group dynamics influenced individual performance and whether participants felt more at ease or anxious due to their teammates’ support or pressure.
• Did you find any challenges while preparing and presenting your skit? If so, what were they? Identifying difficulties faced during the activity can help facilitators address potential issues in future icebreakers and provide necessary support or resources to ensure a smoother experience for all participants.
• What did you learn about yourself and others through this activity? This reflection question allows participants to consider their personal growth as well as the development of interpersonal relationships within the group, fostering self-awareness and empathy among team members.
• How do you think this activity will influence your interactions with your teammates moving forward? By reflecting on the impact of the Comedy Skit Battle on their group dynamics, participants can recognize the importance of maintaining positive relationships and continue to build upon the connections formed during the icebreaker in future collaborations or interactions.

Want customized activity suggestions? Try our Team Building Expert GPT !

About the author

Founder & Chief Icebreaker

I started Icebreaker Spot because I truly believe that strong connections are the foundation of successful teams. I wanted to create a platform that would make it easy for people to find and share icebreakers and team building activities, empowering them to build trust, foster collaboration, and ultimately, achieve greatness together.

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• Why I like this activity
• Tips for inclusivity
• Reflection questions

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17 Fun Problem Solving Activities for Kids

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As a child, I would spend hours putting together puzzles… whether it was 3-D puzzles or figuring out a crossword. I also loved it when teachers would give the class an open-ended question and we had to work in groups to figure out the answer in our own way.

Even something as simple as playing checkers with my brothers gave me the chance to use strategy as a way to win the game. I honestly believe that it’s so important for kids to solve problems at a young age, as it helps them think critically and outside the box.

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So, Why Is It Important To Teach Kids Problem Solving?

I think these kinds of activities are so important for kids to do because it helps them learn how to think analytically and solve problems on their own. It's a great way to get kids to use their imaginations and be creative.

Rote memorization simply does not have the same effect. This type of learning is great for learning facts like historical dates, but it’s not going to help kids figure out how events in history happened and the results.

We take these problem-solving skills into college, the workforce, and travel . My ability to problem solve since childhood has certainly got me through many sticky situations while in a new city or country.

Additionally, problem-solving helps children learn how to find creative solutions to challenges they may face both in and out of the classroom . These activities can also be fun and used in cohesion with school or playtime.

17 Fun Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

1. marble mazes.

This activity was selected because it requires them to think spatially. Spatial learning will benefit kids when they start driving, riding a bike, playing sports,etc.

To do this activity in its simplest form, you will need a piece of paper, a pencil, and some marbles. First, draw a maze on a piece of paper using a pencil.

Make sure to create a start and finish point. Then, place the marbles at the start of the maze. The goal is to get the marbles from the start to the finish by tilting the paper and using gravity to guide the marbles through the maze.

Another example of a marble maze can involve using toilet paper rolls taped together to create a three-dimensional maze. The larger the maze, the harder you can make it.

Check Price on Amazon!

If you are not into the DIY method, you can always buy a toy maze on Amazon. A good 48 piece puzzle is the Melissa & Doug Underwater Ocean Floor puzzle.

2. The Tower Challenge

Building a tower gives kids the chance to think about gravity, structure, and balance.

To do this activity, you will need some building materials like legos, blocks, or even toilet paper rolls. The challenge is to see how high they can stack the materials without the tower toppling over.

This can be done individually or in teams. An activity like this is good for younger kids and is the building block to learning about harder topics like engineering.

3. The Egg Drop Challenge

The egg drop challenge helps kids learn how to engineer a solution that prevents something from breaking. It requires them to think critically about which materials will best protect something fragile like an egg when dropped from a height.

To do this activity, you will need some eggs and various materials such as straws, cotton balls, bubble wrap, etc. The goal is to construct a device that will protect an egg from breaking upon impact.

This can be done individually or in teams . Teams can even have a competition for the best egg drop device.

As children begin handling, shopping for, and cooking their own food, activities like this will help them understand how to handle breakable items like bottles, eggs, delicate fruit,.etc. Ideally, this is best for age groups 8 and up.

4. The Penny Drop Challenge

This activity was selected because it requires kids to think about physics and how different materials affect sound.

To do this activity, you will need a penny ( or another coin), a cup, and various materials such as paper towels, cotton balls, etc.

The goal is to drop the penny into the cup without making any noise. Begin by placing different materials into the cup and then drop the penny into it. The children should also drop the penny from different heights into the same material to see if/how the impact from a higher drop affects sound.

Group kids into teams or let them try it on their own.

Kids should make note of what type of sounds are made when the penny hits different materials. This is a great activity for kids who are interested in science and physics.

5. The Balloon Race Challenge

This activity was selected because it helps kids learn about aerodynamics and Bernoulli’s principle . It also requires them to think creatively about how to design a balloon-powered vehicle.

To do this activity, you will need balloons, straws, masking tape, and markers. The goal is to design a balloon-powered vehicle that can travel a distance of at least 10 feet. Kids can begin this activity by sketching out their designs on paper.

After they have a basic design, they can begin building their vehicle from various materials. Then kids can explain why they think the balloon traveled or did not travel as far as it did.

6. The Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallows are not only delicious, but they are also soft and malleable. So kids can have fun using it for some construction projects.

This activity was selected because it requires kids to think creatively about how to build a structure using limited materials. It also helps them learn about engineering and work as a team.

To do this activity, you will need marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. The goal is to build the tallest free-standing structure possible using only marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. If you don't have spaghetti noodles, use something similar like pretzel sticks.

You may even want to establish certain rules like each team can only use a certain number of marshmallows or noodles. A time limit can also make it more fun and challenging.

For more fun activities, check out our post on problem solving exercises for team building .

7. The Balloon Pop Challenge

If you remember your childhood, you probably remember popping balloons for fun at times. But this activity is different because it requires kids to use strategy and critical thinking.

This activity was selected because it helps kids learn about patterns and problem-solving. It is also a lot of fun for kids who like popping balloons. The goal is to create a device that will allow them to pop a balloon without using their hands.

To do this activity, you will need balloons and various materials such as straws, string, paper clips, etc.

8. Picture Pieces Puzzle Game

As mentioned earlier, puzzles are a great pastime – especially in childhood. Kids must think critically about how to put the pieces together to create a certain picture. It also helps them learn about shapes, colors, and other concepts.

You can take a medium to large picture and cut it into pieces. If you have younger kids, you may want to make the pieces larger. However, if you have kids closer to the 8-11 age range, you should be able to provide a challenge and make the pieces smaller.

9. Copy the Block Model

For this challenge, you can build a model out of blocks for the kids to copy. Put kids into groups and make sure each group has the same number of blocks you used for your model.

Make your model block as simple or complex as needed for your child's age group.

Set a time limit and make sure each group starts at the same time.

10. Team Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is great for kids because they have to search for items and use investigative skills. It is also a lot of fun and can be done both indoors and outdoors .

To do this activity, you will need to create a list of items for the kids to find. The items can be anything from common household items to things you would find outside.

These types of activities can also revolve around a theme like a holiday, movie, or book. For example, if the kids are fans of “Harry Potter” you can make a list of items to find that are related to the movie.

11. Obstacle Course

This activity requires kids to think creatively about how to get from one point to another while maneuvering around obstacles. If you have outdoor space, this can be done with common objects such as hula hoops, cones, etc.

If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can use common household items to create an indoor obstacle course. For example, you can use chairs, blankets, pillows, etc.

Begin by setting up the course and then timing each child as they complete it. You can also have them race against each other to make it more fun.

Obstacle courses are also great because kids get to be physically active while they are thinking critically.

12. Reading Storybooks

There are many great benefits for kids that read storybooks.  One of the excellent benefits is the ability to problem-solve.  When they read the stories in the books, they see scenarios that cause them to be attached to the various characters they read about. 

So, when they encounter a real-life problem, it is often productive to ask a child how their favorite character would solve that problem.  Your kids can also be encouraged to come up with various options and possible outcomes for some of the situations they may encounter. 

This not only helps kids solve various problems but become more independent as well. 

13. Ask Them Open-Ended Questions

A good way to improve a child's ability to think critically and creatively and improve their ability to solve problems is by asking open-ended questions.  It also helps them to develop healthy personalities .

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions.  In addition, the solution requires more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer.  Furthermore, it allows kids to put some extra thought into their responses. 

Here are some examples of open-ended questions you may want to ask. 

• What did this experience teach you?
• Was this easy?  What was easy about it?
• What this difficult?  What is complicated about it?
• What may happen next in this situation?
• How did you come to this solution?
• What, if anything, would you do differently next time?
• What can we do to make things more fun next time?

14. Build Various Structures with Toys

Whether wooden blocks, LEGO blocks, or engineering blocks… giving your kid blocks to build whatever their minds can dream up is fun.  In addition, it requires them to think about how they will make a structure, put the pieces together, and creatively ensure the building's function and design. 

You may also want to challenge them to build something more complicated and watch them use their brain power to make it happen. 

15. Acting Out Skits

Impromptu activities like acting out skits help kids identify problems, develop solutions, and execute them.  This process works with multiple kids being divided into teams. 

First, you will want to write down different situations, such as resolving a disagreement between siblings or dealing with bullying on the playground on a piece of paper.  Second, you will fold the paper and place it in a hat or bowl.  

Third, each team will pick a scenario out of the hat.  Finally, you can give the kids a few minutes to discuss their solution and act out. 

16. Solving Moral Dilemmas   

In this simple game, you will help your kids solve simple dilemmas they may find themselves in.  You could write down a situation your child may find themselves in and help them learn the moral way to solve the problem.   

For instance, “The cashier gave them an additional $5 change back on my purchase.  What should they do?”  Another scenario could be, “I saw my friend cheating on a test.  Should I tell on them or let it go?”  A third one could be, “I caught my friends stealing some gum from the store.  What should I do?” 

After writing down the dilemmas and placing them in a bowl, get each child to select one and read it aloud.  Finally, you will help them devise morally correct solutions to the moral dilemma. 

17. Animal Pairing Game  

This is a fun and creative game to help your kids with focus, critical thinking, and team building skills .  In addition, this activity requires an even number of players to participate (4, 6, 8, etc.) 

Before starting the game, you will want to write the names of different animals twice, each on a separate slip of paper.  Then pass out the slips of paper to each individual or team member, instructing them not to share with anyone the name of the animal they received. 

Then the children will perform activities the animals might do without talking or making sounds.  Some of these activities might include:

• The way the animal cleans or grooms itself
• The way the animal sleeps
• The way the animal fights
• The way the animal eats or drinks
• The way the animal walks or runs

The goal is for each child to successfully pair up with the other child who has selected the same animal.

How Problem Solving in Childhood Helps in Adulthood

Children are not born with problem-solving skills. It is something that needs to be learned and developed over time .

From babies who learn how to communicate their needs to toddlers who figure out how to get what they want, to children who are starting to understand the consequences of their actions – problem-solving is a process that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood.

Some of the benefits of teaching problem-solving skills to children include:

• Improved critical thinking skills
• Better decision-making skills
• Enhanced creativity
• Improved communication and collaboration skills
• Increased confidence

There are many ways to teach problem-solving skills to children. The activities mentioned above are just a few examples. It is important to find activities that are appropriate for the age and abilities of the child.

With practice, children will develop these skills and be better prepared to face challenges in both childhood and adulthood.

Final Thoughts About Fun Problem Solving Activities For Kids

These are just a few ideas to get you started on teaching your child crucial problem solving skills. Perhaps they’ve inspired to come with some of your own, or seek out others? The important thing is to make sure the activity is age-appropriate and challenging enough to engage the kids.

Problem-solving skills are important for kids to learn because they can be applied to various situations in life. These skills also promote critical thinking, which is an important life skill.

There are many other problem-solving activities for kids out there. In time, you’ll find the ones that work best for your child.  And be sure not to forget about your own needs and self-improvement, both of which will make you a better parent and mentor. Here are some useful activities for adults to get your started.

Finally, if you want to level up your parenting skills, then check out this resource that will show you how to get your kids to listen WITHOUT yelling, nagging, or losing control .

Elementary Matters is an educational blog focused on Elementary grades 1-3. These posts will make an elementary teacher's life easier by sharing information about how the brain learns best. It includes time savers, suggestions for classroom management, hints on effective teaching of reading, writing, and math, and several ideas for squeezing Science and Social Studies into daily instruction. These posts include links to several videos, articles, resources, and plenty of free materials.

Paper Bag Dramatics: A Fun Activity for Team Building and Developing Community

Here's a fun activity that's easy to put together, gives the children a chance to be creative, and gives them a chance to work together. it's called paper bag dramatics ..

You'll need 3 or 4 items per bag.

Here are some ideas:.

This is the task: Create a skit that includes all the items in the bag. The group will need to write, practice, and perform the play for their classmates.

Some ideas about the process:, enjoy your paper bag dramatics.

2 comments:

Love this idea. It is a lot like the Story Bag game I play with my storytelling students. Lots of imagination, thinking on your feet, and fun. Thank you.

Thanks for your input! Yes, it's very much like the Story Bag game for storytelling! Sally from Elementary Matters

A Blog About Parenting: Coping Skills, Behavior Management and Special Needs

25 Fun Problem Solving Activities for Kids

Problem-solving activities for kids : Explore 24 fun problem-solving games and activities, and learn effective tips and strategies to teach kids problem-solving skills. If you want to explore problem-solving strategies more in-depth, you can also grab our workbook “ Problem-Solving for Kids ” (printable resource).

Problem-solving is the cognitive process of finding solutions to challenges or complex situations.

A systematic approach to problem-solving tends to include defining the problem, gathering information and data, generating potential solutions, evaluating the pros and cons of each solution, making a decision, and implementing the chosen solution.

Effective problem-solving often requires critical thinking, a good dose of creativity, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. It may also involve identifying patterns, breaking down a problem into manageable chunks, and applying our logic to develop solutions.

Problem-solving is present in everyday situations and across all fields: business, science, personal life, and education. There is not one single aspect in our lives where we don’t need to apply our problem-solving skills.

Table of Contents

• Problem-solving steps
• Development of problem-solving in childhood
• Benefits of developing problem-solving skills
• 10 Tips to teach kids problem-solving skills
• 10 Examples of problem-solving strategies
• 25 Problem-solving activities and games for kids

Problem-Solving Steps

Some key components of problem-solving include:

• Identifying the problem Recognizing and defining the issue or challenge that needs to be addressed.
• Analyzing the problem Investigating and understanding the underlying causes, factors, and relationships related to the problem.
• Generating solutions Generating potential solutions or strategies to address the problem.
• Evaluating all possible solutions (Pros and Cons Analysis) Assessing the feasibility, effectiveness, and potential consequences of each solution. Considering the positive and negative aspects of each solution.
• Decision-making Selecting the best solution based on our analysis and judgment.
• Implementing the best solution Actioning our chosen solution
• Monitoring progress and results
• Reflecting on the outcomes Reviewing and evaluating the outcomes of the implemented solution, learning from the experience, and making adjustments if necessary.

Development of Problem-Solving Skills in Childhood

Children begin to develop problem-solving skills from a very early age, and these skills continue to develop and refine throughout childhood and adolescence.

Babies soon learn about action and reaction. And, as early as eight months, they begin to acquire an understanding of cause and effect (they shake a rattle, it makes a sound; they push a toy, it falls)

Between 13 and 24 months, they start solving simple problems through trial and error and engage in symbolic play using their imagination.

As children progress into middle childhood (ages 7-11), they develop more advanced problem-solving skills. They become capable of understanding multiple perspectives and can consider multiple factors when solving problems. They start using logic and reasoning to solve increasingly complex problems.

During adolescence (ages 12 and up), problem-solving skills continue to develop. Teenagers can generate and test hypotheses and use deductive and inductive reasoning to arrive at solutions.

Each child will develop their problem-solving skills at their own pace. Some children may show advanced problem-solving abilities at an earlier age. Others may require more time and experience to develop these skills fully.

Benefits of Developing Problem-Solving Skills in Children

Problem-solving skills in children are crucial for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. It equips them to approach challenges, think critically, make informed decisions, and find creative solutions. 

The benefits of good problem-solving skills in children include:

• Positive impact on self-esteem and confidence Identifying, analyzing, and solving their problems contributes to our kids’ sense of competence .
• Fosters Independence and Autonomy When our kids are able to problem-solve on their own, they take one more step toward independence
• Academic Success Problem-solving skills contribute to academic achievement, as they help students analyze and solve complex problems across various subjects.
• Cognitive Development Problem-solving fosters cognitive skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and abstract reasoning.
• Critical Thinking Problem-solving enhances critical thinking abilities, enabling children to evaluate information, identify biases, and make informed judgments.
• Creativity Problem-solving promotes creativity by encouraging children to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and explore multiple solutions.
• Emotional Resilience Problem-solving skills enhance emotional resilience by enabling children to manage and cope with challenges effectively, reducing stress and promoting well-being.
• Improved Social Interactions/Relationships Problem-solving abilities contribute to better social interactions, conflict resolution , and peer collaboration, promoting healthy relationships.
• Future career success Problem-solving skills are highly valued in the workplace and can positively influence future career success.

10+ Helpful Tips to Teach Kids Problem-Solving Skills

Teaching problem-solving skills to kids is an important part of their cognitive development. It helps them develop critical thinking, creativity, and resilience.

But how can we help our kids and students to develop this essential skill?

We can help our kids and students develop and improve their problem-solving skills in many ways.  These are some helpful tips that you could consider:

• Model problem-solving behavior When you see yourself in a problem-solving situation, verbalize your thought process: “I wonder how I should address this issue. I guess my alternatives could be… They all have positives and negatives….”
• Let them participate in the problem-solving situation “Could you help me solve this puzzle?”
• Provide real-life problem-solving situations Real-life scenarios make problem-solving more meaningful for kids. For example, discuss how to resolve a conflict with a sibling or how to make the morning routine smoother.
• Teach them how to break down problems Show them how to break down complex problems into manageable sub-problems.
• Practice brainstorming Create brainstorming situations where all the family (or the classroom) can contribute to solving a problem
• Teach the value of perseverance Sometimes, we must stick to a situation and persevere before finding a solution. Encourage kids to persevere through challenges and setbacks, emphasizing that mistakes and failures are opportunities for learning.
• Encourage critical thinking Encourage kids to analyze situations, consider different perspectives, and evaluate possible outcomes.
• How could we make your school lunch healthier but still yummy?
• How could we reuse/recycle all this paper?
• What could we do to help you remember all the steps in your night routine?
• Encourage reflection When they can find a solution for a problem, don’t jump to solve it for them. Encourage them to reflect on the problem and find and evaluate alternatives. And after a problem is solved, think about the whole process and the learnings. “How did this work?” “What did you learn” “Do you need to change anything?”
• Foster creativity Provide them with opportunities for imaginative play, creative projects, and brainstorming sessions.
• Teach the value of teamwork Teach kids the importance of working together to solve problems. Engage them in group activities or projects that require teamwork and collaboration. This helps kids learn the value of different perspectives and work together towards an objective while they practice their communication skills.
• Teach decision-making skills Teach kids how to approach problems systematically by going through the steps we have mentioned in our first section.
• Encourage both structured and free play. Structured play can help you create good problem-solving situations, while free play will foster creativity.

Developing problem-solving skills is an ongoing process that will also continue in adulthood. Provide your kids with guidance and support, and celebrate their efforts and achievements along the way.

10 Examples of Problem-Solving Strategies

There are different strategies that can help us solve a wide range of problems. Here are some commonly recognized problem-solving strategies:

1 . Trial and Error : This is the first problem strategy that we ever learn. We start using trial and error strategies in infancy, and it continues serving its purpose in many situations. This strategy involves trying different solutions or approaches and learning from the errors or failures until a successful solution is found.

2. Algorithm: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or a set of rules that guarantees a solution to a specific problem. It is a systematic approach to problem-solving that follows a predetermined set of instructions.

3. Heuristics: Heuristics are mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that help simplify problem-solving by providing quick and efficient strategies. While heuristics can be effective in many situations, they may also lead to biases and errors.

4. Divide and Conquer: This strategy involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable chunks or steps that make the overall problem easier to tackle.

5. Working Backwards: This strategy involves starting from the desired outcome and working backward to determine the steps or actions needed to reach that outcome. We often use this problem-solving strategy when we set goals.

6. Analogical Reasoning: Analogical reasoning involves drawing parallels between the current problem and a similar problem that has been solved in the past. By applying the solution from the previous problem to the current one, individuals can find a solution more efficiently.

7. Brainstorming: Brainstorming gets lots of brains working on the same problem. It is a great collaborative problem-solving strategy that can bring different perspectives and experiences to the table and may result in lots of creative ideas and solutions. 

8. Decision Matrix: A decision matrix is a systematic approach to evaluating and comparing different options or solutions. It involves creating a matrix that lists alternatives and the criteria for evaluation. It assigns weights or scores to each criterion to come up with the optimal alternative.

9. Root Cause Analysis: Sometimes, we need to understand what is causing a problem before we can attempt to solve it, as different causes may require different approaches (for example, when you are sick, your doctor may need to understand what is causing the problem before prescribing a medicine)

10. Simulation and Modeling: Simulation involves creating a simplified representation or model of a problem situation to gain insights and test different scenarios.

Our choice of strategy will depend on the problem, available resources, and our own personal preferences and circumstances. We may also need to combine strategies or apply different ones to different aspects of a complex problem.

(Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You can also read our Disclosure & Disclaimer policy  here )

Best Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

Play-based activities are centered around play and are designed to engage children in active learning and exploration. And fun problem-solving activities are a great way to develop children’s critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making skills.

In this section, we will review some problem-solving games and activities that will engage your kids’ critical-thinking skills and creativity.

1. Puzzle Games Puzzles are a fun activity for children of all ages. Young children will enjoy simple puzzles, while older children (and adults!) can have fun with more complex ones. Encourage them to use logical thinking and problem-solving strategies to complete the puzzles.

2. Crosswords A crossword is another fun type of puzzle and a good source of mental stimulation.

3. Sudoku Sudoku is a popular logic-based puzzle that involves filling a grid with numbers.

It can be extremely easy or very challenging, adaptable even for young learners.

Let’s go now for a couple of building challenges!

4. Build the Tallest Tower Give the child a set of materials (Legos, building blocks, wooden blocks, or other construction materials) and ask them to build the tallest tower they can. This simple game will encourage them to problem-solve as they build and figure out how to make the tower stable.

5. Build Towers with Different Materials Ask your child to build three different towers with different materials. Then assess how stable they are and how much weight they can hold. Analyze the pros and cons of using each type of material.

6. Treasure Hunt Set up a treasure hunt with clues leading to hidden objects or rewards. Children will have to follow the clues and solve puzzles to find the ultimate prize. This activity encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

7. Scavenger Hunt Playing Scavenger Hunt can be a fun way for our kids to put their creative problem-solving skills to good use. Provide them with clues and puzzles that they must solve in order to find the next clue.

8. Mystery Bag Fill a bag with random objects and ask children to come up with creative uses for each item. Encourage them to think outside the box and find innovative solutions.

9. Memory Game While memory games primarily focus on memory retention and recall, they can indirectly contribute to problem-solving skills by developing cognitive abilities such as attention, information processing, and adjusting their strategies.

10. Role-Playing Scenarios Create role-playing scenarios where children have to solve a problem or make decisions. For example, pretend to be stranded on a desert island and ask them to decide what items they will take and how they will survive.

11. Role-Play Social Situations Work in developing social skills with social problem-solving situations.

12. Brainstorming Sessions Choose a topic or problem and hold brainstorming sessions where children can generate as many ideas as possible. Encourage them not to limit themselves (even if alternatives feel unfeasible!)

13. Team Building Activities and Games Engage children in team-building games like building a balloon tower. Each team member will need to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve together to complete the project.

14. Escape Rooms An escape room is a super fun team problem-solving activity.

In an escape room, participants are locked inside a themed room and must work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and accomplish tasks within a given time limit in order to “escape” from the room.

15. Science Experiments Conduct simple science experiments that involve problem-solving. For example, in the classic “sink or float” experiment, children predict and test which objects will sink or float in water.

Problem-Solving Board Games

There are many board games that will test our kids problems solving activities. These are just a few examples:

16. Cluedo Players must solve a murder mystery by deducing the murderer, the weapon used, and the location of the crime. Players collect and examine clues to eliminate possibilities and make logical deductions.

17. Codenames Another classic game where players are split into two teams and must guess words based on clues from their teammates.

There are many codenames games available, including themes like Disney or Harry Potter.

18. Mastermind Game In this strategy game players take turns setting and solving secret codes

19. Scrabble Scrabble is a classic word game where players form words on a game board using letter tiles.

Kids must use their problem-solving skills to analyze the available letters, consider the best word combination and strategically place those words to score the highest points.

Learning Problem-Solving with Card Games

Card games provide opportunities for kids to develop problem-solving skills such as strategy, memory, pattern recognition, decision-making, and observation.

Just a couple of examples:

20. Uno Uno is a classic card game where kids match cards based on color or number. They need to assess their cards, strategize and make decisions about which cards to play to get rid of their cards while also considering the cards in their opponents’ hands.

21. Go Fish Go Fish is a classic card game where players try to collect sets of cards by asking other players if they have specific cards. Players need to remember which cards they have and make decisions about who to ask and what sets to pursue.

22. Coding Challenges Introduce children to coding activities using platforms like Scratch (or ScratchJr for younger kids), Code.org, or Tynker. Coding involves problem-solving and logical thinking, and children can create interactive stories, games, or animations.

23. Outdoor Problem Solving Take children outside and present them with challenges that require problem-solving, such as building a shelter using natural materials or finding their way through an obstacle course.

24. Problem-Solving Worksheets Help your child follow a systematic approach to problem-solving with these helpful worksheets

25. Goal-Setting Activities for Kids Learning to set goals and make plans to achieve them is also a problem-solving activity. I have several resources to teach kids about goal-setting that I will list below:

• Goal-Setting Activities for Kids
• SMART Goals for Kids
• Goal Tracker Thermometer

Remember to provide guidance and support during these activities while encouraging children to think independently and come up with their own solutions.

Problem-Solving Worksheets

Looking for kid-friendly examples of problem-solving strategies ?

This workbook explores the following  problem-solving strategies  (with child-friendly examples and activities):

• Trial and Error
• Heuristics (Clever shortcuts)
• Divide and Conquer
• Working Backwards
• Brainstorming
• Decision Matrix
• Root Cause Analysis
• Systematic problem-solving

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22 great improv games for better collaboration (and fun!)

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When it comes to collaboration, there’s a lot we can learn from the world of improv comedy and drama. Working closely with others to create a scene, think creatively, and build something from nothing while also having fun: these are all great skills we should try and develop with the use of improv games!

Whether you’re looking to improve team collaboration, energize a group or just build your improv skills, the techniques in this post will give you the tools to run great improv sessions. We’ll also explore some of the core rules of improv you can use to enjoy and benefit from all that these games and activities have to offer.

Learning to be spontaneous and have fun as a team has benefits beyond any individual workshop or meeting. We recommend giving these improv activities a try the next time you bring your group together and incorporate them into your regular team-building sessions!

Bringing play into the workplace can do wonders for burnout, happiness, and fatigue , and improv is one of the best and easiest ways to encourage play. 

Let’s dig in! 

What is an improv game?

Why use improv games in the workplace, improv games for beginners, improv games for getting to know each other.

• Physical Improv games
• Storytelling improv games

What are the rules of improv?

Improv games are activities designed around participants acting or role-playing a scene spontaneously and without a script. Improv has its roots in schools of acting and comedy, and has often been used to warm-up actors and to build collaborative skills.

Improv games encourage creativity, quick thinking, and communication skills and are a great tool for breaking the ice, having fun, and building team spirit. They are great at breaking down barriers to collaboration and getting groups prepared for more involved tasks and processes. As facilitators and team leaders, this is something we can and should bring to our meetings and workshops!

Typical improv exercises include giving participants prompts or rules for acting out a scene or interacting with one another while encouraging everyone to think on their feet and adapt.

If you’ve ever seen the TV show Whose Line is it Anyway, you’ve seen a host of comedians improvise – some more successfully than others! The sense of energy, fun, and collaboration is part of all a great improv game and you can tap into this when running these exercises with a group. 

After finding an activity to suit your needs, go further by building a complete workshop or utilising your favourite exercise as part of a team building session.

SessionLab makes it easy to  build a complete workshop agenda in minutes . Start by dragging and dropping blocks, add activity timings and adjust your session flow to create an effective session.

Using games and activities to energize and engage your team is a great way to make meetings more successful and have fun as a group. Improv games that tap into roleplay, storytelling, and drama techniques can be especially effective in this respect. Often because it’s not the kind of thing you expect!

Introducing a fresh element to your meeting or workshop and bringing people out of their comfort zones can see results beyond the laughter they generate. Team meetings that have grown stale and predictable often don’t see great results. Improv is a breath of fresh air that challenges your group, encourages play, and helps create bonds.

When used to break the ice or energize a team, improv games often see high engagement and lots of laughs: a great foundation for further discussion or as a preamble to other tasks.

Improvisation activities are also effective at teaching creativity, collaborative practices, and quick thinking. Improvisation is a skill that many of us use in our day-to-day roles without realizing it.

One bit of advice. Improvisation and role play don’t come naturally to everyone. It can be uncomfortable for some people and so it’s vital to balance having fun with creating a safe space for people to participate. Be sure to think carefully about the group you’re working with and perhaps start with a simple game that doesn’t ask them to step completely out of their comfort zone too soon!

Simple conversation games are often much easier to encourage than acting games where people must use physical actions and interact with each other in front of others.  Think of your audience and tailor your activity accordingly. The best activities should excite and engage, not terrify or alienate!   

Improv games and techniques

Bringing improv to your group, whether it’s just for fun or as part of a team-building session starts with finding the right games and exercises. 

We’ve organized some of our favorite and most effective improv activities into sections to make it easier to find what will work for you! Beginner games are great for groups new to the practice or if you want a simple and easy activity. Want to break the ice and help groups get to know one another? We have games for that too! 

You’ll also find tips for running each activity with a link to the method in the SessionLab library , making it simple to add an exercise to your workshop or meeting agenda. Let’s get started!

Physical improv games

While playing improv games can be a lot of fun, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Start with these simple improv activities to warm up a new group or gently introduce concepts of roleplay, spontaneity, and creativity to the room. 

Remember – simplicity is key when it comes to energizers and icebreakers and the same is true when finding engaging improv activities! These improv games are easy to teach and are a great place to start. Let’s take a look. 

Questions Only

• Non-Verbal improv
• Terrible presents

Yes, and Picnic

Hello kitty.

Conversational improv games are great places to begin when introducing people to the concept of improv. They’re effective at gently bringing people out of their shells without indulging in some of the wilder, more dramatic possibilities of improv. 

Simple enough to work in either virtual or physical settings, Questions Only is a twist on a classic improv game that we’d recommend the next time you’re stuck for a quick energizer. Players must conduct a conversation composed only of questions. For example, if I was to ask you “What is the weather like on Mars?” you might answer, “Where did I leave my space umbrella?” Hesitate or answer with something other than a question? You’re out!

We like using a round-robin variant where the last person playing gets to choose a topic – the resulting conversations tend to generate a lot of laughter and energy!

Questions Only   #improv game   #energiser   #fun   #icebreaker   #remote-friendly   A classic improv game designed to encourage creative thinking, develop improvisation skills, and energize a group – great to break the ice and generate laughter with minimal set-up!

Great improv helps tap into the collective imagination of a group. Asking a group to pretend, play and be silly by channeling the energy of mime is a great way to awaken them to the possibilities of improv. 

In Sound Ball, start by asking participants to stand in a circle and get ready to catch an imaginary ball. In order to throw and catch the ball, players must also make a special sound. Start throwing imaginary balls around before introducing new balls with new sounds to really keep players on their toes!

This game is great for introducing fun into a room but it also encourages people to really pay attention. Use at the start of a meeting or before an involved part of a workshop when energy is low for best results!  

Sound Ball   #energiser   #icebreaker   #thiagi   #team   #outdoor   This a simple icebreaker activity energising participants, also suitable for debriefing learning points towards spontaneity and teamwork. The activity involves participants standing in a circle and throwing imaginary ball(s) to each other in increasing pace.

Non-Verbal improv 

Acting out previously unseen prompts on the spot is an improv standard. Asking players to creatively respond with little preparation and communicate effectively is a great way to energize the room while also building some core communication skills. But what if you had to communicate without speaking? 

In this improv exercise, participants receive a random phrase and must act it out to their partner non-verbally. Encourage players to pay close attention to their partners and be creative in trying to get across their ideas. Use gestures, overacting, and even props to get across your phrase! Break into teams for a competitive version or use round-robin for an improv game that works for large groups.

Non-verbal improv   #improv game   #energiser   #fun   #remote-friendly   An improv game where participants must use non-verbal communication and actions to communicate a phrase or an idea to other players. A fun game that’s a great way to open a discussion on better communication!

Terrible Presents

We’ve all given and received gifts at some stage though not everyone has likely been great! (We’re looking at you, gaudy Christmas jumper!) Tap into this shared experience with Terrible Presents, a persuasive improv game where players must convince one another to accept a rubbish present!

Between rounds, invite participants to share the story of their terrible presents with others. Reflecting on the experience of persuasion, improvisation and acceptance often leads to fun and interesting conversations. If running in an online meeting , consider adding time to make terrible digital drawings to help sell the bad present! 

Terrible Presents   #team   #skills   #remote-friendly   #issue analysis   A persuasive activity where participants “give” each other terrible presents.

One of the foundational concepts of improvised comedy is Yes, and… This means that when improvising, participants should respond to others by accepting what they’ve said and then building upon it. Not only does this concept make for better improv, but it’s a great way to approach collaborating with others in any setting.

Yes, and Picnic introduces the concept in a simple game where pairs plan an event together using responses ranging from “No” through to “Yes, and what I like about that is.” By understanding how different responses influence a conversation, this improv game is instructive as well as fun! Consider using this one as the starting point for more involved improv to follow.

Yes, and Picnic   #improv game   #yes, and   #active listening   #accepting offers   #flexibility   #specifics   #em   4 conversations about how to listen, acknowledge, and build

Energizers and activities that use improvisation come in many shapes and sizes but almost always contain one unifying element: fun! When first introducing improv to a group, simple games that center on having fun and eliciting laughter can really show the value of the process and encourage engagement. 

Hello Kitty is a short game that simply asks the group to try and make one another smile. Start by separating the group into puppies and kittens. Puppies must say hello in a way that makes kittens laugh or smile while kittens must try and keep a straight face. When a kitten laughs or smiles, they become a puppy! Keep going until all of the kittens have laughed and joined the puppy team.

Though this game is simple, it’s a great way to encourage the creativity that’s important to improv and it goes a long way to energizing your team too! 

Hello Kitty   #hyperisland   #energiser   #remote-friendly   A simple and short group game all about trying to make each other crack a smile. Participants take turns being ‘kitties’ and ‘puppies’. The puppies try to make the kitties crack a smile or laugh. The last kitty standing is the winner! An original from The Northern Quarter Agency.

Improv activities can be especially effective for helping break the ice and for encouraging groups to get to know each other better. Bringing a fun, random element into the process can help facilitate conversation, kickstart connections and help people feel less pressured to share something personal if they don’t want to. Playing a fun game is also less intimidating than being asked to speak formally in front of a group of new people!

Everyone is a Liar

Remember the time, true of me / spotlight.

Two truths and a lie is a classic game that asks participants to improvise an untrue fact about themselves and present it alongside two truths. It’s simple to teach, easy to play, and is a great way for people to get to know each other.

This variation asks participants to ask lie detector questions after one player has made their three statements in order to figure out which one is a lie. By having to answer these questions and try to convince people that a false statement is true, you can really tap into the improv spirit in a gentle but fun way!

Be sure to have people introduce themselves by name and debrief on what was truthful after each round. This moment of reflection and connection is a key part of getting to know each other! 

Everyone is a Liar (Two truths and one lie)   #warm up   #icebreaker   #remote-friendly   #online   Starting a meeting or after a break in a group where participants don’t know each other or don’t know much about each other

With those people we know best, we tend to have shared stories and memories we’ve built together. Looking back on these experiences fondly often brings a smile to our faces and further solidifies group bonds. This improv game taps into this idea by asking the group to ‘remember’ a fictional event they attended together and create a story of what happened.

Start by introducing a fictional memory the group would have experienced together. For example, “Do you remember the time we went to that music festival in Sweden?” Go around the group and invite a person to add a detail or nuance to the memory and build a story of what you all did together.

By encouraging everyone to contribute and co-create the memory, you can get to know one another creatively. Invite players to throw in fun details and to take left turns – bringing your personality to the shared memory will help it be realized and unique to your group. 

"Remember the time…"   #zoom   #virtual   #yes, and   #remote-friendly   Participants tell a story of a shared (fictional) memory, adding details one at a time to create a cohesive picture and narrative. 

For those who are less comfortable with improvisation or sharing themselves with the group, the use of objects and metaphors can be helpful. Remember that all groups are different. Giving everyone space to contribute in a way that feels good for them is important when helping a team get to know one another.  

In this activity, prepare a box of strange and varied objects. (If working online, a set of virtual objects or images works great too!) Invite participants to select an object without thinking too much and then share something about themselves that relates to the object. Go further and encourage improvisation by asking them to connect the object with the theme of the workshop or a central question.

Improvising an answer with a previously unseen prop is a great way to get people thinking quickly and creatively, and it can also invite some interesting and unexpected responses!

Magic Box   #team   #icebreaker   #get-to-know   #teambuilding   #remote-friendly   Ice breaking at the beginning of the workshop/meeting

Getting to know other people often means creating space to share things from our lives. Asking people what they do or where they live might work in some situations, but gosh it can be boring when doing so online with large groups. Can’t we do better? 

In this virtual friendly game, participants are asked to cover or turn off their cameras. Start by making a random, fun statement that is true of you – everyone that this statement is also true for can then uncover their cameras. Pick someone who revealed themselves and invite them to improvise a new true statement. 

Often, when we introduce ourselves to a group, we repeat the same old lines. While simple, this exercise can yield great results because it invites people to share things off the cuff and be fresh and creative with their truths. 

True of Me / Spotlight   #improv game   #remote-friendly   #icebreaker   #zoom   In gallery view we say something that is true of you (e.g. I have a dog). Everyone that this is true for keeps their camera on; everyone that this is not true for covers their camera. Repeat with a new true statement from someone else in the group.

Introducing friends and colleagues to others means having to get to know them a little better. Introducing friends and colleagues in an exaggerated manner means getting to know them and then running with what you know. Tap into this idea with this fun improv exercise that taps into roleplay for funny results!

Start by creating groups of three and asking these groups to share some basic information about one another. Player 1 from each group will be the person being introduced. Player 2 will be the Straightman and Player 3 will be the Hypeman.

Next, ask two groups of three to come together. Player 1 from each group will be introduced by the other two from their group.  Player 2 must introduce them using an understated, matter of fact style. Player 3 will introduce using exaggerated, over the top language.

For example, the Straightman might introduce me as “This is James. He does marketing for SessionLab and facilitates too.” While the Hyperman might introduce me by saying, “You haven’t met James? Oh you HAVE to meet James. James does marketing the way other people do breathing! And he facilitates too – there’s nothing this guy can’t do!”

Mix groups up so everyone has a turn playing all of the roles. By taking turns building up our partners and coming up with exaggerated, sometimes outlandish claims, you can take the sting out of meeting new people and have some fun improvising too!

Hypeman   #energizer   #support   #trust   #positivity   #name game   #introductions   #mixer   #improv game   #character   #relationship   #em   #opening   In small groups one person is introduced and their hypeman hypes them up

Improv techniques often draw from the world of acting, asking participants to use their whole bodies to get into the scene or participate in the game. 

Physical improv games like those below are especially great for getting people moving and adding new energy into the room. If a group has been having long and difficult conversations all morning, using an activity that gets them using their bodies can be just what they need to feel energized and engaged. 

These games are even useful for those attending virtual meetings and workshops. Asking people to move around and have fun on camera can be an effective way to combat zoom fatigue! 

• What are you doing?

Human Objects

Human machine, near and far, what are you doing .

Interpreting actions is a great way to encourage creative thinking and energize a team. In this improv game, one player starts by imagining an action on the spot and physically miming that action. 

For example, they might start by miming washing, drying, and brushing their hair. Next, another player jumps in and asks them what they are doing. The person miming must then say any other action than the one they are performing. Rather than say they are brushing their hair, they might say they are performing brain surgery or playing hockey. The next player must then begin miming out that action. Encourage everyone to be creative with their actions and responses and keep the game moving! 

By improvising physically and providing the next player with a prompt, this exercise is a great way to encourage activity and conversation in those groups that might be more reserved to start!   

What are you doing?   #hyperisland   #energiser   #remote-friendly   This is a simple drama game in which participants take turns asking each other “What are you doing?” and acting out the various responses. Though simple, it engages the imagination and gently challenges participants out of their comfort zone by having them mime a range of different actions.

When a group comes together in a creative setting, it’s always fascinating and encouraging to see the range of responses. Seeing the differences and similarities in our approaches can really help us bond as people.

In Human Objects, challenge your group to impersonate an object with their body in just ten seconds. Start by calling out the name of a common object like a desk, mobile phone, microwave oven, or drum kit. Have everyone improvise and impersonate that object using just their bodies and then nominate another play to choose the next object. 

Human Objects invites some fun, creative thinking into your meeting and it works great in both live and virtual settings. Trying to fit a human guitar into the frame of a Zoom window often gets people laughing! 

Human objects   #improv game   #energizer   #remote-friendly   #fun   #icebreaker   A quick, physical improv game that asks participants to embody an object as quickly as they can!

Like most collaborative and creative processes, understanding and listening to your partner is key to your success. Mirrors is a classic physical improv game that encourages deep connection and attention using our bodies.

Start by asking pairs to imagine themselves as standing on two sides of a mirror with a boundary line between them. Next, have player 1 start leading with physical movements, gestures, and actions that player 2 must then mirror. Encourage players to go slowly and not to talk. Switch which player is following regularly and invite everyone to get creative while leading the way for their partner. 

When looking for an improv game that gets people moving, Mirrors does small wonders. It’s a simple premise that invites players to push further out of their comfort zones as they go. Bonus points for creating memorable team moments and opportunities for hilarity! 

Mirrors   #improv game   #flexibility   #active listening   #listening and awareness   #speaking   #accepting offers   #trust   #leadership   #em   #fb   In pairs, players mirror one another’s movements.  

Physical improv games that ask us to use our bodies and get involved can be great team activities. Working together while having fun taps into what many of us love about team sports, creative collaborations, and what it means to be a part of a group!

This improv exercise asks that a group come together to embody a robot, with every player on the team playing a single part of the machine.

Start by having a single-player enter the center of the room making the sound and movement of a part of the robot. After five seconds, have another player jump in and add themselves as another part of the robot, complete with a new sound and movement. Keep building until you’ve formed a whole machine that moves and operates together. 

Want to add another angle? Invite the robot to perform a task or deconstruct the robot piece by piece. We love inviting the group to create a robot designed for a specific task and see how people choose to bring themselves to the process and position themselves as part of the group. 

Human Machine   #hyperisland   #energiser   This fast and physical group gets participants moving and working together in a way that generates energy and promotes collaboration. One at a time, members of the group become parts of the “machine”, each one making a distinct physical motion and a sound, until the whole group is working together in motion, as one human machine.

At their core, most improv activities are a set of rules that participants must work with creatively in order to achieve their goal. Having to work with these rules on the spot means participants have to interpret and respond quickly and creatively. As such, the results can often be surprising, even with the simplest of rulesets! 

Near and Far is an exercise that draws on these concepts without the usual setup of other improv games. Start by asking everyone in the room to secretly choose one person in the group to stay close to and a second person they must stay away from. Next, gather everyone into a close huddle, explain the rules for safety and not speaking, and then send them off to find the person they need to be close to and far away from. 

Let them wander and enact these rules while inviting them to observe all the strange systems and actions that emerge from working together in this space.

Remember that you need plenty of space for this activity to work, but it’s so worth it! In a very short period of time, you and your group have lots to reflect on and have improvised and engaged with one another creatively too! 

Near and Far   #icebreaker   #energiser   #action   #thiagi   #outdoor   #warm up   Near and Far is a wonderful warm up game that provides excellent avenues to build connections and to discuss various issues of corporate culture and dynamics. I have used it in conferences and it is suitable for small, medium, and large groups.

Mime and comedy go hand in hand. In this improv game, the group is asked to imagine passing several items around the group and responding to them in turn. It’s a fun way of letting everyone’s personality shine while engaging in a light, energetic way.

Start with everyone in a circle. Have the director begin by showing the group an imaginary red ball. They then make eye contact with someone else in the circle, say “Red ball” and then pass it to them. The receiving player repeats the name of the item they’ve received and then passes it to another player. After a few passes, the director then adds more and more items including a sleeping baby, an angry cat, the keys to a sports car, and more. 

Ask players to be imaginative and creative in how they pass these objects around while observing the rules of the game. It’s fun to see people try and calm the sleeping baby and protect it from the other objects being thrown around and see all the other interactions people come up with!  

Red Ball   #listening and awareness   #improv game   #active listening   #em   Pass around imaginary balls & other objects

Storytelling improv games 

When it comes to being creative and engaging with others, our storytelling instincts are a great place to play inside. Stories resonate with people across cultures and demographics – inviting people to improvise in this space is effective for building group bonds, having fun, and improving teamwork. 

In the fields of drama and comedy, narrative improv is a common technique that encourages participants to work together to create a complete story from scratch! Story-making with others can be a fun and engaging collaborative process and narrative thinking can have massive benefits across your organization. In these narrative improv games, we’ll explore how telling stories can excite and inspire a group to play and collaborate. 

Fortunate Me

Powerpoint karaoke – holiday variation, story spine, one word method, whose adjective is it anyway.

For some groups, telling stories brings to mind dragons and spaceships and this can prove a barrier to engagement. This variation on a classic story game keeps things grounded and practical while still encouraging improvisation and creativity. 

Start by having a player state a goal they want to achieve a year from now. The next player says, “Unfortunately…” and improvises an obstacle that might get in the way of achieving that goal. The first player then responds by saying “Yes and…” and improvising a way they overcame that obstacle. Continue around the circle so that the player can refute and overcome all possible obstacles that would come between them and their goal, however wild or difficult. 

By connecting to the story being told personally and overcoming challenges with positivity, you can generate both practical and fun takeaways for the group. Be sure to invite creative obstacles and don’t be afraid to throw in some curveballs. What’s a good story without a few surprises? 

Fortunate Me (variation of Fortunately/Unfortunately)   #improv game   #coaching   #creative thinking   #accepting offers   #justification   #yes, and   #risk taking   #boldness   #improv   #vision   #storymaking   #remote-friendly   #zoom   One person shares a goal, other players offer obstacles. Main player delightfully overcomes those obstacles.

When we bring up the idea of telling stories, some members of the group can bristle: not everyone thinks of themselves as a storyteller! The reality is that everyone tells stories. For those people, ask them about the last time they went on holiday or a fun trip and chances are they’ll tell you when it happened, where they went, who was there and what happened. That’s a story! 

In this storytelling game, we’ll recreate the way we retell a holiday or unexpected event but add elements of improv. Start by creating a slide deck of holiday locations, inside jokes, and activities using the Powerpoint Karaoke framework .

Next, invite a participant to start a sentence that begins with “Let me tell you a story. I went on a crazy trip to…” and then show the first slide of a location. The player must then improvise a story about when they went on a trip to this place. 

After a sentence or two, move to the next slide – the player must incorporate what is on that slide into their story. Add slides and details for a minute or until the story comes to a natural stop. 

When playing with a team that knows each other well, it’s fun to add images of inside jokes and company references to the slide deck. Explaining why you ran into the CEO while on your trip to the grand canyon or why a samurai showed up at the company all-hands can be great fun! 

Powerpoint Karaoke   #improv game   #communication   #presentation skills   #skills   #remote-friendly   Powerpoint Karaoke is an improv game where volunteers take turns presenting slide decks that they’ve never seen before, in front of a live audience.

One of the reasons that so many of us can connect to stories and understand them is because they often follow a recognizable structure. Working within a story structure is a great way of making it easy for people to contribute while also building out an engaging story with all the right beats!

Start by explaining the concept of the story spine and how it relates to popular stories and fairytales. Next, read out the first prompt of “Once upon a time” and invite a player to contribute the first line. Read out the next prompt of “Every day…” and invite another player to contribute the next line. 

Be sure to take notes of each response and keep building the story until you reach the last prompt. Read back the full story with the group and share what you’ve built together! You can create more specific stories by using a first-line relating to your company or a chosen theme, or simply use it as a creative and fun improv exercise!

Story Spine   #public speaking   #speaking   #storytelling   #em   create a story using Kenn Adams Story Spine Once upon a time… Every day… Until one day… And because of that… And because of that… And because of that… Until finally… And ever since then…

Like most creative processes, stories are built step by step. But how can you do this effectively if every step is handled by a different person? In this improv game, challenge players to create a sentence one word at a time, with a different person contributing each word. 

Start with a general topic such as deciding what to have for dinner or what to do about a specific problem or situation. Invite someone to contribute the first word of the sentence and have the next person contribute the next word. Go around the group until everyone has contributed and you have a complete sentence. Start over with a fresh situation or a continuation of the existing one.

Be sure to gently guide the team and encourage everyone to stay on topic – the best sentences and stories are those that make sense! 

Want to up the stakes? Challenge players to create better, more complete, and articulate sentences under time pressure or with other restrictions in place. Being creative and spontaneous in a relaxed setting that doesn’t ask too much from an individual player is a great way to start doing improv and show the benefits of collaboration. 

One Word Method   #product development   #idea generation   #creativity   #icebreaker   #online   #warm up   Creating a sentence relating to a specific topic or problem with each person contributing one word at a time.

Stories come in all shapes and sizes. Not every story needs to be epic, and by encouraging the group to tell stories in small interactions, you can encourage creativity and help build communication skills too.

Start by creating a set of notecards with adjectives such as hungry, angry, sad, etc. on them. In pairs, participants pick up a card, go to the front of the room and act out a scene while trying to demonstrate their adjective card. For example, a pair will act out a scene of two friends meeting for lunch while bringing their adjective card into their performance. 

At the end of the skit, the audience and each person must guess what the others’ adjectives were. Reflect on how to better display and read others’ emotions while rewarding particularly creative responses. You’ll be surprised at how this game encourages deep reflection alongside laughter! 

Whose adjective is it anyway?   #teampedia   #team   #action   #improv game   #emotional intelligence   The objectives are to build group member relationships through verbal and nonverbal cue-sensing and effective adaptation to others’ displayed emotions through entertaining and nonthreatening skits.

When you watch an improv comedy scene in full swing, it can seem like chaos. On the contrary, there are often rules and guidelines operating to help the group collaboratively improvise and support each other in the process. 

Improv rules are designed to enable everyone to participate, have fun and create better scenes and outcomes. Great takeaways for any team wanting to use improv games or collaborate more effectively! They are not designed to restrict creativity or insist there is a right or wrong way to do improv.

Think of them as guidance for helping a group make the most of the session. They are particularly useful for those just starting out! 

If you were to look for what the rules of improv are, you would find dozens of different takes and variations. Tina Fey’s improv rules were a particular inspiration to us at SessionLab! Here, we’ve provided our opinion and synthesis of many of the common core rules. 

Our advice would be to explore what’s out there, try bringing the concepts into your practice, and use what works for you. Combine rules, alter them to your needs, or make entirely new ones. Remember that whatever you use, the purpose remains the same: guidelines you can use to create a safe, creative space to improvise, collaborate and have fun with others.  

Agree and commit 

One of the core rules for improv is to agree to what your partner says and not to block the scene from progressing. If your partner begins an improv game by saying, “This birthday party is great – shame that the cake is still baking!” you should agree that the situation is true and commit to this truth. If you were to respond by saying you’re not actually at a birthday party and that there isn’t a cake, you’ve disagreed with the premise and blocked both your partner and the flow of the scene. The scene will fall flat as a result! 

Improvisation is the art of creating something spontaneously together. Remember that blocking or disagreeing damages this process and doesn’t help create a safe, supportive environment. Try to agree with what your partner brings to the process and trust that your partner will do the same with you. Improv is about creation, not destruction!  

Say Yes and… to build and expand 

Yes and… is a concept that isn’t unique to improv, but nonetheless improves the experience for everyone involved. The basic idea is that after first agreeing with what your partner says, you then build on the idea and add something new. For example, if your partner was to say, “Oh gosh, there is an angry Viking coming towards us!” you might respond, “Yes, and they’ve brought their pet dragon with them!” The idea is not to block and to co-create a scene with others in a fun, collaborative fashion. It feels good to have your ideas accepted and built on! The value of yes and… includes helping everyone have their ideas heard and used, and helping everyone in the group see the benefits of building on the ideas of others, rather than simply championing their own. As far as collaboration principles go, Yes and… is one of the simplest and most effective.

There are no mistakes

Fear of failure can be paralyzing. Whether it’s speaking out in a meeting or participating in an improv exercise, our anxiety about failing in front of others can prevent us from participating. One of the golden rules of improv is that there are no mistakes. If you try something and it doesn’t work, that’s okay! If you mishear something and take the conversation in another direction, that’s okay too! In short, don’t worry – whatever you do during an improv session is welcome and no one will punish you for it. 

Being free to mess up and experiment without fear is a massive part of playing improv games and if you can bring this attitude to how you experiment and ideate at work, it can help you there too! While it’s true that mistakes can happen in a work environment, the key here is to stop worrying about making mistakes so much that you don’t take any action at all. As Ed Catmull writes in Creativity Inc : “Failure isn’t a necessary evil. In fact, it isn’t evil at all. It is a necessary consequence of doing something new.”

At its heart, most improv is about getting out of your comfort zone and having fun as a group. Being willing to be lighthearted and think of the scene as a collaborative game you are playing together can make all the difference! 

As mentioned in the introduction, play can be instrumental when it comes to learning new tasks, feeling connected, and being productive. When it comes to engaging in improv activities, consider how play might bring something to the equation and how you might be more playful in your interactions!  

Remember that improv is not about winning or taking it so seriously you can’t let yourself go. It’s about letting out your inner child, committing to playing within the concept, and remembering that it’s just a game. Have fun! What do you have to lose? 

Be specific

Most improv games involve creating a scene or conversation from thin air. One great technique you can borrow from storytelling is using specific details and actions to bring a scene to life.

For example, “I live in a house,” is very general while, “I live in a terraced house with a blue door and bats in the attic.” is specific. “I like drinking soda,” is general, while “I like drinking fizzy cola” is more specific. “That man is angry” is general while “The old butcher is angry” is more specific. In each case, consider how giving more concrete details with specificity helps create a more definite mental image of what is going on. 

Specificity helps bring an idea to life and paint a more compelling and realized story. By trying to be more specific, you can also give your partners more to work with. This is not to say that you should be very specific all the time. As you grow in your improv practice, you’ll get a sense of when it’s good to leave things open to the imagination and when it’s good to be specific. 

Finding ways to give enough detail and be specific is a skill worth cultivating outside of improv too. Minimize the potential for misunderstanding and communicate with clarity by being more specific and giving sufficient detail.    

Actively listen to your partner

As with all collaborative games, good improv relies on people being team players. When it comes to creating a scene together, it’s important to listen to your partner carefully and try to understand their intentions. Without listening to each other, the scene will likely fall flat and you’ll end up in a dead-end.

Remember that any collaborative process is made better when working together. Fail to listen and try to go your own way and no one will end up having a good time! 

Truly listening to one another also means paying attention to where they’re coming from and where they’re going. Something magic happens when a group of people are all actively listening to each other and building a scene as a team: active listening plays a major part in this!

You don’t always have to be funny

One of the goals of improvisational comedy is to make people laugh. But that doesn’t mean everything you say has to be funny. Setting up your partner, laying the basis for future jokes, or simply keeping things going can make all the difference to a great scene. 

When playing improv games, the temptation can be to try and be funny at every moment. But remember that variations in tone, use of counterpoint, and set-up are all important aspects of any scene, improvised or not. It’s a collaborative medium and remember that the goal is for the scene to be funny and for everyone to have fun, not just for you to be the star! 

Try to tell a story

Human beings are narrative animals. We respond strongly to stories as a species, whether we’re reading, writing or creating them. Bringing aspects of story and narrative into your improv scenes can really bring them to life and encourage contribute too. 

Having the loose structure of a beginning, middle, and end in mind can ensure you hit key narrative beats. It also helps create an understandable flow that makes it easy for both contributors and the audience to buy into. Think of using classic storytelling devices such as good guys and bad guys, the quest, the magical item, character motivations, and conflict to underpin your improv. Want some more concrete examples and frameworks? Try our storytelling improv games section below! 

More statements, less questions 

Improv often shines when the group gets into a flow and everyone can build on what the other participants have brought to the game. That flow state can be difficult to enter and maintain, but there are ways to keep the momentum going. 

Making declarative statements that add something for others to use are a great place to start. If your partner started a scene with “Oh no, the spaceship is being drawn into the black hole!” you might respond with a statement such as, “Yes, and the ship is out of infinity fuel, we’re doomed!” 

This statement adds new information to the mix and you’ve helped flesh out the scene, giving your partner something to build on. Think of improv as trying to collaboratively build a tower. If you add new ideas to the mix, you are helping the tower grow taller and are sharing the load of doing so with your partner.

Using questions can be tricky in some improv games. Open questions often don’t add anything to the scene and can put pressure on the respondent to carry the weight of the scene. For example, if your partner started a scene by saying, “Oh no, the spaceship is being drawn into the black hole!”  and you responded, “What else?” that’s an example of using questions badly. 

You haven’t really contributed or added anything into the mix and you’ve put the onus back on your partner. If you were to instead ask, “Why are the escape pods disabled?” that’s an example of using a question to add something to the scene too. 

While questions can be used effectively, always try to consider what you can say or do to add something to the scene. Remember, improv is a collaboration and you should do your part! 

Give and take 

We can’t always be the star of the show. Giving and taking in equal measure means helping move the scene forward, being attentive to what your partner is thinking, and putting the group and the scene ahead of your own glory. 

In practice, this might mean accepting that your improv character has to be spectacularly killed off or setting up another participant rather than taking the spotlight yourself. 

Remember that improv isn’t about you winning as a single person, but about helping the group have fun and win together. In fact, you’ll find that by setting up others and supporting their ideas you’ll receive similar goodwill and help in kind. This is a good lesson for any collaborative process – be prepared to carry your end and to give and share as much as you receive. It’s better for everyone! 

Workshop planning made easy

Creating an effective and engaging workshop means creating a balanced agenda of activities while also keeping everything on time.

With SessionLab, you  drag, drop and reorder blocks  to build your agenda in minutes.

Your session  timing   adjusts automatically  as you make changes and when you’re done, you can  share a beautiful printout  with your colleagues and participants.

Explore  how teams use SessionLab  to design effective sessions or  watch this five minute video  to see the planner in action!

Over to you

Learning to have fun as a group and think on your feet can have a massive impact on how your team collaborates. Using improv games can be a great way to break down barriers, energize participants and have fun! 

We love using improvisation techniques to bring our team together and we hope that by considering the improv rules and games above, you can use them with your group too! 

Have a favorite activity or have something you’d like to add to the mix? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below! 

I’m a Drama teacher. Great list!

Great list!

This is relly amazing list and well explained!

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71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios

Do you have kiddos who struggle with their social problem-solving skills? Teach your students the simple process of how to solve a problem along with having them review how well their solution worked or didn’t work.

Why Teach Problem Solving Skills?

Learning to problem solve is an essential skill that is used not only throughout childhood but also into adulthood. Social problem solving is the ability to change or adapt to undesirable situations that arise throughout our day.

On a daily basis, a child will encounter social problems that they will need to solve.

Anything from:

• arguing with another student
• to hurting a friend’s feelings
• to having a difficult conversation
• working with others

Start with Small Problems

Many of the “problems” children encounter are often small problems which the child may be over-reacting to, such as wanting a different coloring crayon or wanting to be first in line, however, these small problems are still very real to the child.

Practicing problem-solving with these small problems can be a great learning opportunity. Children can practice problem-solving with a small problem which can help them learn how to handle bigger problems in the future.

Problem Solving Importance

Social problem-solving skills are critical to a child’s social interactions, personal and professional relationships. A child’s ability to handle change, cope with stress, and handle challenges improves with a child’s ability to successfully solve social problems.

The ultimate goal is that the child will be able to solve social problems all on their own, but until they can independently solve a problem they will need to learn how to communicate and self-advocate to positively solve their problems.  

Steps to Problem Solving

Children can be taught how to problem solve through a guided process of breaking down the problem and using simple steps to solve the problem.

Learning specific steps to problem-solving can allow children to remember how to solve a problem when they become overwhelmed or stressed.

Although learning to solve a problem independently can take some time and practice it is well worth the investment to have a child who can eventually solve most social situations in a positive manner on their own.

What we learnt about solving problems is don't freak out, if one thing doesn't work , try something else out. And work together as a team. #melthammathsweek #MELTHAMPUPILVOICE @problemsolveit pic.twitter.com/iVm1Im4Aue — yr6melthamce (@yr6melthamce) February 4, 2019

Problem Solving Form

Teach your students the 4 steps to becoming a social problem-solver.

• Identify the problem. For instance, start by having your student identify the social problem.
• Create three solutions. Also, have your student come up with three different solutions that they could use to solve the problem that they identified.
• Identify the consequences. Then, identify the consequence for each individual solution.
• Pick the best solution.  Lastly, have your student identify which of their three solutions is the best choice Then have your student put into words why they think that solution is the best solution.

Problem Solving Review Form

After your students go through the social problem-solver have them use the social problem-solving review form.

• What happened.  For instance, after your student tried their solution have them explain what happened next.
• Review the results. Also, have your student identify whether or not their solution got them the results they wanted.
• Use this solution again. Furthermore, have your student identify whether or not they would use this solution again in the future to solve the same or similar problem.
• What would you do differently? Finally, have your student explain what they would do differently if they didn’t get the results they wanted or if they wouldn’t use that solution again in the future.

71+ Social Problem Scenarios + 6 Blank Scenarios

Use the 71 social problem-solving scenarios to have your students get great experience practicing how to solve a social problem.

Also, included are 6 blank scenarios. Then laminate them so you can use them over and over again. Therefore, create social problems that the student experiences and needs help solving.

Wordless Video teaching Problem Solving

Watch this super cute wordless animation with your students and have them discuss the problem they see and how to best solve the problem.

Use this as a fun practice example to get your students started towards learning how to problem-solve.

Demonstrate Through Modeling

Model and discuss empathy.

First and foremost, children need to understand how another person might be feeling in a given situation in order to become a good social problem solver. The student needs to learn how to “stand in someone else’s shoes” for a little bit.

One way you can work on this skill is during the reading time you can focus on how a particular character in the story might be feeling.

Ask questions, such as:

• “How do they feel right now?”
• “How would you feel in that same situation?”
• “Why do you think they feel that way?”

Model Problem-Solving Skills as the Teacher

When you are faced with a problem you can solve the problem by thinking aloud for the students to hear how you solve a problem.

You can state the problem, then come up with possible solutions, then identify the possible consequences to each solution, then pick and explain why a solution is the best option.

For example, you could say, “I was hoping to take the class outside for a stress walk around the track before the reading test, but the problem is that it is raining outside. I could still take you outside, but then you will get wet, or we could walk the halls, but then we’d have to be really quiet because there are other classes learning, or we could just skip the walk and take the reading test, but then you might not do as well on the test. I think based on all of those solutions the best solution will be to walk the hallway, but you guys will have to promise to be quiet so that we don’t disrupt other classes.

Modeling the problem-solving process can be very helpful for the students to watch, observe, and later implement themselves.

Teach Communication

Have students communicate how they are feeling.

Teaching your students to share their emotions in a respectful way can improve their ability to problem-solve.

Have students use an “I” sentence frame, such as, “I feel _____ (insert feeling word) when _____ (identify what made you feel that way).”

For example, “I felt sad when Jackson broke my favorite pencil” or “I was mad when I wasn’t picked to be first in line.”

This way students can communicate how they are feeling using honest and open communication. Teaching students to appropriately communicate their emotions can help solve some social problems from the beginning.

Encourage Independency

Encourage your student to problem solve.

If your student is struggling to problem solve independently encourage them to do so using open-ended questions.

• “How could you fix this problem?”
• “What would be a fair solution?”
• “What would happen if you used that solution?”

Let the Student try to Problem Solve Independently

Give your students the space to try and solve their own problems using the guided strategies. Try not to come running to their rescue for every little problem.

Some problems are small and a great opportunity for the student to learn and practice. If an adult does all of the problem solving for a student then what are they really learning?

Give your students the time and space they need to practice solving small problems on their own. Of course, if it is a bigger or more serious problem then have an adult help guide the problem-solving process.

Tell an Adult

Remind your students that there are still some problems that are too big for them to solve on their own and that it is okay to get help from an adult to solve big problems.

For example, if the student doesn’t feel safe, someone is being hurt physically or emotionally, or if they tried to solve a problem independently but it didn’t work and they need help. Let them know that it’s okay to tell an adult.

Teach How to Disagree and How to Make Up

Discuss how to disagree respectfully.

Remind your student that they won’t always agree with their teacher, friends, classmate, or parents and that’s okay. Even the people we like might have different opinions, interests, and likes than we do.

However, even if we disagree with someone we should still treat them with respect. Treating someone with respect means to not call them names, ignore them, yell or hit them. It means that you do try to create solutions that both parties can agree with and to apologize when we hurt others’ feelings.

Role-Play How to Make Up

Practice in everyday life how to make up after a social problem .

Students are really having to stretch their brains today. It's @NSPCC #NumberDay and @problemsolveit are challenging Y9 and 10 to solve the escape room boxes. It's not as easy as it looks! The promise of a few sweet treats for the winners seems to be helping though! pic.twitter.com/AxRRJnJIv2 — CongletonHS (@CongletonHS) February 2, 2018

Be sure to get your free social problem solver today below! I hope you and your students love this freebie.

Have your students use task card scenarios to help them identify how they and others might feel in different social scenarios. Be sure to discuss the problem, identify possible solutions, identify the consequences of those possible solutions, and then based on those consequences pick the best solution.

Make social problem-solving a game by telling the students that they are social detectives and that it is their job to use what they know about social rules to help them identify the possible and best solutions.

Start practicing today with 71+ free social problem social task cards! Do your students need more practice?

Be sure to check out my other freebie for 31 wordless animated videos to teach problem-solving and so much more.

Make Problem Solving Easier with this Freebie!

Download yours today to get started.

Get More Problem Solving Time Saving Materials

Next, be sure to check out the following time-saving materials to continue to teach your students how to solve their social problems in addition to this freebie.

Weekly Social Pragmatics Homework

• Weekly problem-solving.   Send home a  weekly homework page  that includes a problem-solving scenario plus an idiom and a conversational practice scenario.

Restorative Justice Problem Solving Flip Book

• Restorative justice graphic visual.  Use this graphic visual to help your student  restore a social relationship  after a social problem.

Self-Advocating Role-Play Scenarios

• Self-advocating in high school.  Teach your high schoolers the process to  self-advocate  for what they need.

5th-12th Grade Life Skills Problem Solving

• Life skills problem-solving.  In addition, this  life skills differentiated bundle  includes a problem-solving lesson plan.

I recommend you read Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems , 61+ Free Fillable SLP Planner Pages 2020-2021 , 430+ Free Multisyllabic Words List Activity Bundle , or 432+ Free IEP Goal Bank to Save You Time posts because they include freebies as well and who doesn’t want more freebies!

Got questions? Leave a comment. Let’s chat!

Monday 30th of January 2023

Hello! I have entered my name and email twice (yesterday & today) to receive to 71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Senarios, but I have not received anything yet. Not even an email back to mine in order to subcribe. Thanks for your help! Tracy

Melissa Berg

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

Hi Tracy, Thanks so much for reaching out! Sorry about that. We went ahead and sent you an email with the PDF attached. Wishing you all my best, Melissa

Problem Solving Skills

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

I truly love your site. Excellent colors, theme and writing. Thanks for sharing.

Laura Ricca

Monday 11th of April 2022

Tuesday 12th of April 2022

Hi Laura, I'm glad you found this resource helpful. Melissa

Modified Mental Health and Suicide Prevention - Speech Therapy Store

Monday 11th of May 2020

[…] 71+ FREE SOCIAL PROBLEM-SOLVING SCENARIOS […]

Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems - Speech Therapy Store

Monday 4th of May 2020

[…] 71+ Free Social Problem Solving Task Cards Scenarios […]

44 Powerful Problem Solving Activities for Kids

This post and its photos may contain affiliate links, view our  disclosure policy.

Inside: Tons of activities that will help boost kids’ problem-solving skills and make them super critical thinkers!

Table of Contents

Who doesn’t love a little challenge now and then? Especially if it’s for our kiddos! 

You see, problem-solving isn’t just for the puzzles and math sheets. It’s the magic stuff that shapes our little ones into big thinkers and doers. 

Yep, it’s pretty important!

With the right activities, we aren’t just sharpening kids’ brain muscles; we’re also enhancing their creativity, boosting their confidence and critical thinking skills, and (just maybe) buying ourselves five minutes to sip that coffee while it’s still hot. 

Stick around, and let’s dive into 44 simple activities to boost your child’s problem-solving skills while having a blast! 🚀💡

Gain access to our library of free printables!

Because we all want our kids to be happy and healthy — not just for right now, but for the rest of their lives.

Why is it Important to Learn Problem-Solving Strategies?

Importance of problem-solving abilities:

Navigating the maze of life requires many skills; it requires the ability to face challenges, find solutions, and adapt. 

This is where problem-solving enters the picture, and here’s why it’s so crucial for our kiddos:

Life is Full of Puzzles:  From tying shoes to understanding a new math concept, life constantly presents us with puzzles. Equipping our children with problem-solving skills ensures they can tackle each one confidently.

Boosts Independence:  As parents or educators, we won’t always be there to hand-hold. When kids can solve problems on their own, they gain a sense of independence, which is essential for their personal growth.

Develops Resilience:  Not every attempt to solve a problem will be successful. But with each try, children learn resilience, understanding that it’s okay to fail and important to try again.

Prepares for Real-World Challenges:  The real world isn’t a scripted playground. It’s unpredictable. By honing their problem-solving abilities, we’re preparing kids to face the unforeseen challenges of the world outside.

Enhances Cognitive Growth:  Otherwise known as cognitive development. Problem-solving isn’t just about finding solutions. It’s about thinking critically, analyzing situations, and making decisions. This cognitive workout helps in the overall brain development of our children.

Fosters Creativity:  There’s often more than one way to solve a problem. Encouraging kids to think outside the box helps them see things from different perspectives and nurtures their creative spirit, letting them see possibilities where others might see roadblocks.

Encourages Adaptability:  In the face of challenges, it’s important not just to find solutions but to be adaptable. As the world changes, kids with strong problem-solving skills can change with it, learning and growing along the way.

Builds Confidence :  Every problem solved is a victory, a testament to their capabilities. This builds a child’s self-esteem, making them believe in their ability to face and overcome obstacles.

So, while it may seem like just another skill on the list, problem-solving is a cornerstone for a well-rounded, resilient, and successful individual.

4 Simple Problem-Solving Steps We Should Know at a Young Age

Problem-solving steps can be thought of as the building blocks for tackling challenges. 

They’re like a set of instructions that  guide us  on our journey to finding different solutions. These steps provide a  roadmap  for kids, helping them break down big problems into smaller, more manageable pieces. 

By following these steps, children can learn  how  to think critically, make smart decisions, and even discover their own creative problem-solving superpowers. 

• First, we need to understand the problem, just like examining the pieces before we start building. 
• Next, we brainstorm – this is where we think of different solutions, like trying out various block combinations. Then comes the important part – evaluating the options. We must determine the best solution ,  just like choosing the right blocks for our structure. 
• After that, it’s time to put the plan into action, just like assembling the blocks to create something amazing. 
• Finally, we review and see if our solution works, making adjustments if needed. 

These problem-solving steps are like our trusty toolkit, helping us build our way to success with creativity and ingenuity.

Whether it’s figuring out a math puzzle, resolving a conflict with a friend, or coming up with a new game, these problem-solving steps will be a guide to helping kids take their next steps.

Featured resource

HeartSmart Social Emotional Curriculum

If you want a program that guides you on how to teach problem-solving along with other essential skills like self-regulation, respect, teamwork, conflict resolution, and more, check this out!

Best Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

In this guide, we have a cool mix of fun problem-solving activities. There are activities for inside, outside, playing in groups, and even on the computer! So take deep breaths, and let’s get to it!

44 Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

Problem-solving games for kids:, card games:.

These are more than just fun; they are brain boosters. In  Go Fish , the hunt for matching cards sharpens memory. While in the classic game  Uno , it’s all about plotting the right move to take the lead.

The Memory Game:

This game isn’t just about remembering; it’s about strategizing. Matching pairs means we’re not just recalling but also paying close attention. This boosts concentration, focus, and, of course, memory – essential skills for everyday challenges!

Try this animal matching memory game.

Classic  Board Games:

Whether it’s Chess , where every move counts, or  Monopoly ,  where every decision can make or break your game, these games teach foresight and strategy.

Maze Games :

Navigating a maze isn’t just about reaching the end; it’s about strategizing the route. These games enhance our ability to plan and foresee, invaluable skills in real-life situations.

Brain-Teasing Sudoku :

Sudoku   isn’t merely filling in numbers; it’s about using logic to deduce the correct sequence.

Tangram Puzzles: 

These aren’t your average puzzles. With Tangram, you shape a story, crafting images using geometric pieces.

Chess & Strategy-Based Games:

Think of these as mental workouts. Here, every step is a calculated decision, honing your ability to think multiple steps ahead.

For more fun:

• 20 Best Games for 4-Year-Olds
• 15 Board Games Every 9-Year-Old Will Love

Indoor Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

Complete simple tasks:.

Simple tasks are little jobs that you can do to practice problem-solving. 

• Matching Socks:  Sort through a pile of laundry to pair up matching socks.
• Grocery List Planning:  Help create a list for the week’s meals, considering everyone’s preferences.
• Toy Organization:  Sort toys into designated bins by type, size, or color.
• Packing Their School Bag:  Ensure they have all the necessary items for the next school day.
• Setting the Table:  Consider where each plate, fork, and glass should go.

Ask Open-Ended Questions:

Open-ended questions are special questions that don’t have just one answer. They make you think! For instance, instead of asking, “What color is the sky?” you might ask, “Why do you think the sky changes colors?”

Puzzle Games:

Try simple puzzles with fewer pieces for younger kids and more complex puzzles with more pieces for older kids! You figure out how to fit the pieces together, which helps your brain get stronger!

Puzzle games are also great for hand-eye coordination!

Pattern Recognition:

This is all about finding the special patterns in things. Imagine a puzzle with colors or shapes. You have to figure out the pattern to solve it.

Dress-Up and Role-Play:

When you dress up and pretend to be someone else, it’s like stepping into their shoes. You have to think about how they would act and problem-solve what they would say if you were them.

Shape Sorters:

Shape sorters  are super fun for young kids. You have to match each shape to the right hole. It’s like a puzzle for shapes! This helps you learn about different shapes and how they fit together.

Building Challenges:

Use Wooden blocks or legos and give kids a theme or structure to replicate. Great for all age groups!

Cooking or Baking:

Cooking and baking are like yummy science experiments! You follow recipes, mix ingredients, and even get to taste your creations. You must figure out how to follow and “solve” the recipe so that your creation tastes delicious!

“What If?” Scenarios:

Present hypothetical situations (e.g., “What if you were invisible for a day?”) and discuss possible solutions or actions.

Homemade Science Experiments:

Homemade science experiments are like being a scientist in your own lab! You get to try out cool experiments and discover how things work. 

Quick Experiment example:

Make Dancing Raisins:

• Clear soda (like Sprite or 7-Up)
• A clear glass
• Fill the glass with the soda.
• Drop a few raisins into the glass.

Result:  The raisins will initially sink, then start “dancing” up and down due to the carbon dioxide bubbles attaching and detaching from them.

Coding Activities: 

Coding is like giving a computer a set of clues to follow. Think of it as telling a story where the computer plays the main character, and your instructions guide its every move. It’s our way of communicating with machines to make them do amazing tasks!

Crossword Puzzles:

Crossword puzzles are fun little word challenges. You must fill in the blanks with the right words and use your smarts to solve tricky clues!

Complex Problems like Brain Teasers:

Brain teasers are like mental gymnastics, making you stretch and flex your thinking muscles. What’s fun about them? There’s often more than one way to reach an answer, so your imagination and logic both get a workout!

Goal Setting Activities:

Goal setting  is like making a special plan for what you want to achieve. 

Think of goal setting as charting out your very own treasure map, with no wrong answers! 

By laying out what you aim to achieve, you’re setting the course toward your treasure: success!

Goals, be they immediate or down the road, act like our personal compasses. They keep you on track and motivated. And every time you hit a goal? That’s you cracking a code and unlocking a new achievement in your adventure!

Setting SMART Goals

This engaging kit focuses on teaching essential skills for setting and  achieving smart goals,  just like breaking down that LEGO set into manageable sections. We help kids understand the importance of clear objectives, staying motivated, overcoming obstacles, embracing adaptability and more.

Math Challenges:

Think of math challenges as your brain’s personal gym session. These aren’t just any puzzles; they’re crafted to push those thinking caps to the limit. 

Debates (Best for older children):

Debates are friendly arguments where you defend your ideas with strong reasons. They’re excellent for problem-solving and for our social skills because they teach us how to think critically and consider different viewpoints. By defending our thoughts in a debate, we learn how to express ourselves clearly, listen to others, and find strong arguments to support our ideas!

Use Worksheets (Teach the Size of the Problem Concepts)

Teach concepts like the size of the problem to help kids determine if their reactions to problems are appropriate and what suitable solutions might be. Use fun visuals and problem-solving worksheets.

You can get this worksheet and more in our HeartSmart curriculum.

STEM Challenges: 

STEM challenges are games that use science, technology, engineering, and math to solve problems. They’re awesome for problem-solving because they let us be like inventors and builders. Kids can engage in creative play and design and create things, like bridges or machines, using our smarts and creativity. 

Outdoor Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

Nature scavenger hunt or treasure hunt: .

Create a list of natural items for kids to find. For added difficulty, give riddles as clues.

We have some awesome free Scavenger Hunt Bundles you can snag!

Free Scavenger Hunt Bundle

Download this set now, which includes four unique scavenger hunt games

Outdoor Obstacle Course: 

Use items like ropes, cones, and hula hoops to design a course that requires navigation.

Garden Planning & Planting :

Design a garden patch, deciding what to plant based on sunlight and spacing needs.

Map & Compass Orienteering:

Teach kids to use a map and compass, then set waypoints for them to find.

Water Relay Challenges:

Carry water from one bucket to another using a sponge or cup, navigating hurdles.

Campsite Setup Simulation Challenge:

Set up a mock campsite considering factors like wind direction, incline, and resource proximity.

Nature Art & Patterns:

Using twigs, leaves, stones, and more, create mosaic patterns or depictions.

Group Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

Tower of spaghetti:.

Using only spaghetti and marshmallows, groups compete to build the tallest stable tower.

Egg Drop Challenge:

Groups are provided with a set of materials (e.g., straws, tape, cotton) to create a protective casing for an egg, which is then dropped from a height.

Silent Line-Up:

Without speaking, kids must line up according to their birthdays or another criterion.

Group Story Time:

One child starts a story with a sentence or two, and each subsequent child adds on, weaving in unexpected twists and turns.

The Human Knot:

Kids stand in a circle, reach across, and grasp two different hands. The challenge is to untangle the knot without releasing hands.

Escape Room:

Everyone is ‘locked’ in a themed room and has to solve a series of clues and puzzles to ‘escape’ within a set time. It’s fantastic for problem-solving because it challenges critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. Everyone must work together, think outside the box, and use their wits to solve the puzzles and complete the mission before time runs out!

Role-Playing Social Situations:

Role-playing helps you practice how to react and solve problems in different situations. Present the group with a fictional but realistic scenario (e.g., stranded on an island) and brainstorm and act out solutions.

By pretending to be in different roles, you can figure out the best ways to communicate, understand others, and find solutions to problems in a safe and fun way!

Blindfolded Obstacle Course:

In pairs, one blindfolded child is guided through an obstacle course by their partner using only verbal instructions.

Online and App-Based Problem Solving Activities

When tech meets intellect, the digital realm becomes a treasure trove of problem-solving wonder!

Educational Apps:

Best Apps by Age:

• Younger Kids : Dive into the mathematical world with “Moose Math” or kick-start programming concepts playfully with “Bee-Bot.”
• Older Kids: Amp up programming skills with “Cargo-Bot” or embark on a critical thinking journey with “Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure.”

Online Escape Rooms:

Just like physical escape rooms, but from the comfort of your home! They’re digital adventures, demanding clues to be solved to advance to the next level.

Check out these 10 Family Friendly Online Escape rooms here! I’m especially looking forward to Hogwarts Harry Potter Escape Room .

Virtual Logic Puzzles:

Websites that present logic problems and puzzles, leveling up in complexity as kids solve them.

Top Picks:  “Conceptis Puzzles,” “Math Playground Logic Games.”

Benefits: Perfect for sharpening deductive reasoning and pattern recognition.

Interactive E-Books:

These are not your everyday e-books. They demand interaction, choices, and decision-making to progress the story.

Suggestions:  “This Book is Perfect” or I love this big list of the best interactive books for kids.

Benefits: Enhance comprehension, decision-making, and experience of how choices shape outcomes.

Online Strategy Games:

These games demand planning, strategic thinking, and foresight.

Check out: “Fish Sticks Strategy Game”

Benefits: Apart from being immensely fun, they teach patience, strategy formulation, and long-term planning.

10 Examples of Problem-Solving Skills Young Children Should Have

Each of these skills not only helps kids tackle problems effectively but also equips them with abilities they’ll use throughout their lives.

• Critical Thinking:  Encourage young thinkers to examine situations, ask questions, and view things from different angles before reaching a conclusion.
• Decision-Making Skills:  Help children practice making choices by offering them options and discussing the potential outcomes of each decision.
• Creative Thinking:  Cultivate creativity by providing opportunities for imaginative play, artistic expression, and activities that encourage thinking outside the box.
• Communication Skills:  Show children how to express their thoughts,  feelings , and ideas clearly and effectively – a vital skill for problem-solving in social situations.
• Teamwork and Collaboration:  Foster the spirit of cooperation by encouraging children to work together on group activities or projects, which helps develop problem-solving skills as a team.
• Resourcefulness:  Challenge children to find alternative solutions using the available resources rather than relying solely on adult guidance.
• Flexibility and Adaptability:  Teach children how to adapt to changes and unexpected situations, which is crucial for effective problem-solving in real-world scenarios.
• Persistence:  Staying determined, even when faced with challenges, and continuing to try until a solution is found.
• Self-reflection:  Recognizing one’s own mistakes or misunderstandings in a situation and learning from them for future problem-solving.
• Active Listening:  Paying close attention to details when others speak, helping them understand problems more fully and respond effectively. 

Must read post:

How to Help Kids with Inflexible Thinking THRIVE

Tips for Parents and Educators: Nurturing Problem-Solving in Kids

When it comes to fostering problem-solving skills in children, both parents and educators play pivotal roles. It’s less about giving the right answers and more about asking the right questions. 

Encourage Curiosity.  Let kids explore questions like, “What do you think would happen if…?” or “How would you do it differently next time?”.

Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities can be a game-changer.

Set Up Scenarios.  Create environments or situations where kids can think and act independently. Whether it’s setting up a puzzle station at home or a role-play corner in the classroom, these controlled scenarios can stimulate their problem-solving faculties. Remember, it’s okay for them to struggle a bit. It’s through overcoming challenges that real learning occurs.

Lastly,  Be a Guide, Not a Director.  Instead of directing them step-by-step, guide them by providing hints or asking probing questions. This helps them develop the ability to analyze situations and think critically. As they grow, they’ll be more equipped to approach challenges with confidence and creativity. 

So, whether you’re a parent or an educator, remember that each day presents countless opportunities to bolster these invaluable skills. Embrace them!

Final Thoughts: Problem Solving Activities for Kids

Being a pro at problem-solving helps us face all types of curveballs life throws at us.

From untangling math puzzles to making big decisions, this skill is our trusty sidekick. And when life changes? No sweat! We can adapt and shine.

In short, mastering problem-solving helps us face challenges, make wise choices, and truly succeed in whatever we tackle!

I hope you enjoyed these problem-solving activities for kids. Tell me, what one is your favorite?

Because we all want our kids to be happy and healthy — not just for right now, but for the rest of their lives.

Tina Williamson is the published author of the growth mindset activity journal for kids - “ Amazing Me ” and the writer and founder here at Mindfulmazing. Passionate about raising mindful, resilient, and compassionate kids we are committed to sharing calming strategies, positive parenting tips, and growth mindset resources. Our resources are now used in over 10,000 homes, schools and counseling offices! Visit the shop here.  

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5 Examples of Problem Solving Scenarios + ROLE PLAY SCRIPTS

Problem-solving is an essential skill in our daily lives. It enables us to analyze situations, identify challenges, and find suitable solutions. In this article, we’ll explore five real-life problem-solving scenarios from various areas, including business, education, and personal growth. By understanding these examples, you can develop your problem-solving abilities and effectively tackle challenges in your life.

Examples of Problem Solving Scenarios

Improving customer service scenario:.

A retail store is experiencing a decline in customer satisfaction, with clients complaining about slow service and unhelpful staff.

Solution : The store manager assembles a team to analyze customer feedback, identify key issues, and propose solutions. They implement a new training program focused on customer service skills, streamline the checkout process, and introduce an incentive system to motivate employees. As a result, customer satisfaction improves, and the store’s reputation is restored.

Enhancing Learning Outcomes Scenario:

A high school teacher notices that her students struggle with understanding complex concepts in her science class, leading to poor performance on tests.

Overcoming Procrastination Scenario:

An individual consistently procrastinates, leading to increased stress and reduced productivity.

Solution : The person identifies the root cause of their procrastination, such as fear of failure or lack of motivation. They establish clear goals and deadlines, break tasks into manageable steps, and use time management tools, like the Pomodoro Technique , to stay focused. By consistently applying these strategies, they successfully overcome procrastination and enhance their productivity.

Reducing Patient Wait Times Scenario:

Solution : The clinic’s management team conducts a thorough analysis of the appointment scheduling process and identifies bottlenecks. They implement a new appointment system, hire additional staff, and optimize the workflow to reduce wait times. As a result, patient satisfaction increases, and staff stress levels decrease.

Reducing Plastic Waste Scenario:

A local community is struggling with an excessive amount of plastic waste, causing environmental pollution and health concerns.

Solution : Community leaders organize a task force to address the issue. They implement a recycling program, educate residents about the environmental impact of plastic waste, and collaborate with local businesses to promote the use of eco-friendly packaging alternatives. These actions lead to a significant reduction in plastic waste and a cleaner, healthier community.

Conclusion : These five examples of problem-solving scenarios demonstrate how effective problem-solving strategies can lead to successful outcomes in various aspects of life. By learning from these scenarios, you can develop your problem-solving skills and become better equipped to face challenges in your personal and professional life. Remember to analyze situations carefully, identify the root causes, and implement solutions that address these issues for optimal results.

Role Play: Improving Customer Service in a Retail Store

Scenario : A retail store is experiencing a decline in customer satisfaction, with clients complaining about slow service and unhelpful staff.

Role Play Script:

Assistant Manager : I agree. We could also implement a new training program for our staff, focusing on customer service skills and techniques.

Scene 2 : Staff Training Session Store Manager: (Addressing the entire staff) We’re implementing a new training program to improve our customer service. This program will cover effective communication, problem-solving, and time management skills. We’ll also introduce an incentive system to reward those who provide exceptional service.

Sales Associate : (Smiling) Of course! I’d be happy to help. What product are you looking for?

Customer : That would be great! Thank you for your help.

More Examples of Problem Solving Scenarios on the next page…

Acting Out Conflict

• Students will practice resolving conflicts.
• Students will review the Problem Solving Technique for resolving conflicts.
• Copies of the Tape Recorder Fight script
• Puppets for younger students
• After students have been introduced to the Problem Solving approach to conflict resolution, give them a chance to practice the technique by acting out a conflict resolution skit.
• When the class has decided which solution it likes best, have the players act it out. Is it a win-win resolution?
• There may be several solutions the class likes. The actors may try acing out all of them.
• Once older students have the idea of conflict resolution skits, have them work in small groups to create their own. They can present these to the class. They may even want to present them to younger children.
• What makes the conflicts in the skits escalate?
• What words can people say to indicate that they want to stop the fight and try to solve the problem?
• Have you ever had a conflict like this one? How did you resolve it?

Excerpted from Elementary Perspectives: Teaching Concepts of Peace and Conflict by William J. Kreidler.

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30 Problem Solving Scenarios for Speech Therapy Practice

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SEE ALSO: Houston We Have a Problem! Activities for Problem Solving

Problem solving scenarios.

• Your friends came over to your house for a movie night. One of your friends brought another friend so there are more people than you planned for. You want to pass out the drinks but you only have five cans of soda and you need 6 for everyone to have one. What could you do?
• After basketball practice you go back to the locker room with your team to shower and change. When you are done dressing, you can't find your shoes. What could you do?
• You have been waiting all day for lunch to come because you are starving. Finally class gets over and you get to go to lunch. Except when you go to get to your lunch, it's not there. You probably left it at home. What could you do?
• There is a guy in your class who is always mean to you. He always bumps you when he walks by and he calls you names. He knocks stuff out of your hands and makes you feel stupid. You don't think you can take it anymore. What could you do?
• You really want to invite this new girl/guy to come to your birthday party, but you have never talked to them before. You are worried they will say no. What could you do?
• You rode the bus to school today and on the way in people are pointing and laughing at you. You go in the bathroom and see that you have pink gum all over the back of your pants. What could you do?
• You wake up and see that your alarm never went off. So you are starting your morning 15 minutes later than you planned. It is a really important day at school and you cannot be late. What could you do?
• You are giving a group presentation in front of class and it's your turn to talk. All of the sudden you sneeze. You cover it with your hand, but now your hand is full of stuff you sneezed out. What could you do?
• You are eating dinner at a fancy restaurant with your parents and their friends. You have a really messy dinner and accidentally flip a noodle into the lady's lap. They are busy talking and don't notice it. What could you do?
• You are taking a test and there is no talking allowed. You are writing your answers on the paper and your pencil breaks. What could you do?
• You are taking a test and the guy behind you asks you for help. He wants to know what you put for question number two. What could you do?
• You are at a birthday party and you have waited in line for a long time for your turn to hit the pinata. It is finally going to be your turn and it looks like the next hit will break the pinata. But you suddenly have to go to the bathroom. What could you do?
• You are hanging outside with your friend and she decides to pick your neighbor's flowers. She gives you the pretty handful of flowers and right then your neighbor opens the door. She asks you why you picked her flowers. What could you do?
• You borrowed your sister's skates one day without asking and they broke while you were using them. What could you do?
• You are eating at a friend's house and the mom piles your plate full of food. It looks really good and you want to eat it all but you can't because you just ate a snack. What could you do so you don't hurt her feelings?

SEE ALSO:   The Best Free App for Speech Therapy

• Your teacher was working at her desk.  You wanted to ask her a question, but she didn't see your hand raised. What should you do?
• You started to do your work, but you weren't sure if you were doing it right. What should you do?
• You were playing tether-ball and were the champion so far.  In the next game, you slightly touched the rope.  Only one student saw you touch the rope. What will you do?
• The teacher is giving directions, but your friend sitting next to you keeps talking.  You can't hear the directions. What should you do?
• You didn't do your homework.  Your teacher was upset with you. What should you do?
• You finished eating and felt a burp coming. What are you going to do?
• You were waiting to swing.  When it was your turn, another boy jumped in front of you and took the swing. What would you do?
• You waited a long time, but your mom didn't come to pick you up after school. What should you do?
• A bully threatened to beat you up after school. What should you do?
• A boy on the playground keeps pushing you and making you mad. What would you do?
• You were sitting in class doing your work and you hear the fire alarm. What should you do?
• An adult you didn't know came on to the playground and asked if you would help look for his lost dog. What would you do?
• You forgot your lunch at home. What would you do?
• The person sitting behind you keeps tapping your chair with his foot. What should you do?
• You finished your work early. What should you do?

This list of functional words was professionally selected to be the most useful for a child or adult who has difficulty with problem solving scenarios.

We encourage you to use this list when practicing at home.

Home practice will make progress toward meeting individual language goals much faster.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are only able to see students/clients 30-60 mins (or less) per week. This is not enough time or practice for someone to handle Problem solving scenarios.

Every day that your loved one goes without practice it becomes more difficult to help them. 

SEE ALSO:   The Best Books for Speech Therapy Practice

We know life is busy , but if you're reading this you're probably someone who cares about helping their loved one as much as you can.

Practice 5-10 minutes whenever you can, but try to do it on a consistent basis (daily).

Please, please, please use this list to practice.

It will be a great benefit to you and your loved one's progress.

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11 Scenarios to Help Teens Work Through Sticky Social Situations

Tweens and teens increasing encounter social situations that they must have skills to navigate independently. In this article, you’ll read through scenarios that teens might experience as they spend time with friends. For each scenario, prompts are provided for consideration and discussion. These prompts can be used as talking points with the teens at your home or school. You’ll also have the opportunity to download a free Classroom Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts Resource for both teachers and students.

Why Manners Matter

As tweens and teens spend a lot more time with their friends, they may encounter new situations that they need to navigate with skill and polite manners. Etiquette and manners are important—because people who know how to handle themselves in social situations come out on top, get what they want, feel good about themselves, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Why Scenarios Can Be Powerful Teen Learning Experiences

Preparing to manage experiences before they occur will allow kids to better manage them in real time.

Hypothetical scenarios can be a great tool for learning on this topic. They present real-life examples that students may not anticipate. They allow students to remove heightened emotions that they may experience in social settings so that they can think clearly on the issues presented. They also allow students to work together, collaboratively, to tackle these challenges with peers.

11 Manners Challenges for Teens

In group discussions, use these eleven relatable manners challenges to get teens talking about how they can politely deal with problems, before they occur, at home or school.

Too-Hot Soup

You’re eating dinner at a friend’s house. You take a mouthful of soup and discover it’s burning hot. Other than spitting it out, burning your tongue, and suing your hostess for $4 million, how could you deal (politely) with this situation?

Text Troubles

Your best friend spends half the time you’re together texting other friends. You think of sending your friend a text saying, “PUT DOWN YOUR STUPID PHONE AND BE WITH ME!” Maybe there’s a better solution. What is it?

You brought a great present for your friend to his Bar Mitzvah party. Three months later you’ve heard nothing from him, and you’re wondering why. You could send a “Thanks for nothing” note, or… What’s a better way to handle this?

Your friends are great one-on-one. But when they get together, they’re like boorish marauders. It really bothers you when they make fun of people with disabilities. How can you address this without being drawn and quartered yourself?

Chew on View

One of your friends always chews with his mouth open. It’s gross—all those saliva-slimed, maggoty, masticated morsels of chopper-chomped chow. (Told you it was gross.) How could you address this delicate subject with your friend?

Embarrassed Online

A friend posted a photo on social media of you drooling in your sleep. You’re angry and humiliated. Think of a rude way to respond and then a polite way. Which is better and why?

Your friend is chronically late and always shrugs it off with lame excuses. You could give him some of his own medicine by standing him up, but that just brings more rudeness into the world. What’s a better way to resolve this?

Your friend always invites herself over to your house and then never leaves. Short of screaming, “INCOMING MISSILE!” and locking the doors after she dives out the window, what would be a polite way to deal with this?

Too Much Texting

A friend floods you with hundreds of unwanted texts a day. Think of a rude way to respond and a polite way. Which do you think would work better and why?

Tips Needed

You’re at a restaurant with friends. You all chip in, but as you leave, you notice the kid who paid the bill didn’t leave a tip. How can you handle this so the server isn’t stiffed and your friend isn’t miffed?

Your friend bailed on going to the movies with you by saying she was sick. Later you learn she went out with someone else. Instead of getting even by giving her measles, how could you handle this politely?

Manners matter. Good etiquette helps us all get what we want, feel good about ourselves, and enjoy life to the fullest. Giving tweens and teens resources—like the 11 scenarios and the Do’s and Don’ts of Classroom Etiquette Resource for students included in this article—gives them the opportunity to prepare for sticky social situations both out in the world and at school. For more relevant etiquette challenges, check out How Rude! The Teen Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out by Alex J. Packer, Ph.D.

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Author bio:, alex j.packer, ph.d..

'Etiquette Guru to the Youth of America', Alex J. Packer, Ph.D., is an educator, psychologist, and award-winning author of numerous books for parents and teenagers including How Rude! The Teen Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out. Alex's books have been translated into many languages including Spanish, German, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Mandarin, Greek, Romanian, and Serbian. Alex is sought after by the media for his provocative commentary on manners, child-rearing,...

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Social Skills Activities that Teach Kids Problem-Solving

September 22 , 2021.

​​ Social skills activities are important for children of all abilities. With this in mind, We Rock the Spectrum’s Social Skills Blog Series aims to provide insight into activities and practical tips that help instill social skills in children. In this article, we focus on the importance of problem-solving skills in children and introduce five fun and educational activities that can enhance their problem-solving skill set. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability in which children find it difficult to socialize and interact with others. Although autism comes in a variety of forms, many 

kids have difficulty developing problem-solving skills. The combination of diminished communication, emotional, and self-regulation skills, all contribute to the child’s reduced skills. To be able to become well-rounded individuals, children of all abilities need to be given the opportunity and resources to learn proper problem-solving skills so that they can face challenges head-on later in life. With this in mind, we have put together a guide on the importance of problem-solving skills for both neurotypical children and children with autism.

Why is Problem-Solving Important?

Problem-solving deals with the ability to make decisions in tough or challenging situations. Children of all abilities need to learn how to properly handle each situation with problem-solving in order to become more independent and resilient. Having good problem-solving skills allow children to gain the patience and self-confidence they need to develop into capable individuals.

Problem-solving activities help children develop the skills they need to efficiently and effectively deal with complex issues and situations. In life, children will run into a variety of situations with differing contexts. Having the proper problem-solving skill set will allow children to learn how to handle every situation with ease. Once a child is able to effectively problem-solve, they will be able to better navigate their own personal problems and those of others as well. Additionally, a child will be able to identify a problem, develop different solutions, test different solutions, and analyze the results.

It is essential for parents or guardians to help boost problem-solving skills through a variety of sensory strategies. Here is a list of 5 fun activities that will teach children of all abilities how to build their problem-solving skills.

5 Activities that Teach Problem Solving

1. problems in a jar.

Problems in a Jar is a fun and creative way for children to explore different situations that can occur in the real world. This activity is designed to help kids generate solutions from one problem or circumstance. To begin, an adult will write one situation on a small sheet of paper, fold it, and place it in a jar. This continues until the jar is full. The child then picks a paper and reads off the problem. He/she must then come up with the best solution that solves the challenging scenario. This helps children think thoroughly about each possible solution independently.

2. Scavenger Hunt

Everyone loves a game of scavenger hunt! This group activity prompts children’s deduction skills based on clues and hints, which in turn, enhances their problem-solving skills. To start, divide children into groups of 2-3 and have them come up with a plan on which members look for which items. Children can also brainstorm together on where each item is located. This helps kids work together towards one goal while also nourishing their communication. Parents can also reward kids with small treats for every item they find on the scavenger hunt.

3. Impromptu Skits

Impromptu skits are a fun and engaging way for kids to think independently and with quick reactions. In this activity, children are given one situation wherein they have to reenact how the situation unfolds and how to solve the issue. This allows children to think about how to deal with each situation and see how it can be solved efficiently. After the skit, ask the children to explain their thought processes and correct them if there were any actions that were unnecessary. Children watching the skit will also be able to learn and understand how to best act in certain circumstances. 

Puzzles are one of the best ways a child can stimulate their mind. Puzzles have multiple pieces that are all jumbled together. To solve a puzzle, children need to sort the pieces out and place them in their proper areas to be able to put the puzzle back together. This helps children develop memory recall and thought organization. To start off easy, children can work on puzzles with fewer pieces. Once they get the hang of it, they can move on to more difficult and complex puzzles to build their skill set. 

5. Play With A Purpose TM

Having a space where your children will feel safe experimenting is vital to developing problem-solving skills quickly. We Rock the Spectrum’s Play With A Purpose™ stimulates and exercises a child’s sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch, vestibular system, and proprioception through positive physical, emotional, and social development. At We Rock the Spectrum, kids are able to play and interact together through arts and crafts, classes, our sensory equipment , and more to strengthen their problem-solving skills in an inclusive, sensory-safe environment.

Key Takeaways

Equipping all children with the proper problem-solving tools and resources at an early age will ensure they develop the skills they need to become versatile individuals. Children who are able to hone their problem-solving skills at their most important phase of development will be able to become more independent and know how to acclimate best to a multitude of situations in the long run. We Rock the Spectrum is a kids gym franchise that offers a wide range of fun and inclusive problem-solving activities through its specialized sensory equipment and Play With A Purpose™ program. Discover more about our mission by getting in touch with us today !

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