Primarily Problem Solving

Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a process that allows people to apply both creative and critical thinking to find solutions to everyday problems. It is a way to enhance creative behavior and also a systematic way to organize information and ideas in order to solve problems. The overall goal of CPS training is to improve creative behavior and problem-solving behavior. The skills involved are: ability to select relevant information ability to summarize information ability to analyze social situations, ability to think creatively to generate possible solutions, ability to evaluate options based on given criteria, ability to plan activities to accomplish a goal, and ability to make inferences. Primarily Problem Solving allows you to give your younger students a head start on problem solving. This book presents creative problem solving in a step-by-step manner young children can understand and enjoy. Use the CPS process to solve the problems of the Three Little Pigs, Rapunzel, and the Frog Prince, as well as more common family problems. Each problem includes illustrated worksheets to take students through each step of the problem-solving process. Teaching notes give instructors additional ideas for using creative problem-solving techniques in the classroom. Fun problems and step-by-step guides will take students successfully from the fuzzy beginning to an effective end. The end result is confidence in being able to think through a solution, rather than just latching on to the most obvious solution. Use these exercises as a part of your thinking skills class or creativity training, as supplementary reading assignments, or as a technique to solve conflicts in the classroom. Expand your knowledge of CPS even more with Primarily Creativity. Grades 2-4

It is important that schools emphasize a problem-solving approach to mathematics beginning in the early years and continuing through high school. Students should learn to value the process of solving problems, as well as getting the correct solutions. The strategies in this book will help students reason, develop their problem-solving strategies, grow in their ability to communicate mathematically, and develop confidence in their mathematical abilities. Five different problem-solving strategies are carefully taught using teacher-directed interactive introductory lessons. A series of practice problems follow the introductory lessons for each strategy. The strategies include: using a manipulative or acting out a problem, drawing a picture or diagram, extending a repeating pattern, making a table or list, and choosing relevant information. Each strategy is first introduced through several carefully presented problems that include introductory group lessons and instructional notes for the teachers. Additionally, the last section of the book presents a variety of problems that give students the opportunity to apply the problem-solving strategies they have learned. This is the perfect supplement to any primary math program, as well as an excellent resource for a math center. All problems are delightfully illustrated and reproducible. Grades 2-4

Educational title for gifted and advanced learners.

It's never too early to start building thinking skills—skills that will spill over into other areas of the curriculum and into real life. Primarily Logic consists of a series of units designed to introduce logical thinking to young students. It is an excellent, easy-to-use starting point for teaching well-established forms of logical thinking. Each skill is introduced with examples, and then worksheets give students an opportunity to practice the skill. Group lessons and worksheets provide practice in: finding relationships, analogies, thinking logically using “all” and “none” statements, syllogisms, and deductive reasoning using logic puzzles. Logical thinking is both enjoyable and challenging for students as they build a sound foundation for further instruction in critical thinking. Suggestions for related activities are included in the Instructions for Teachers section. For easier logic activities for younger students, try Lollipop Logic. Grades 2-4

This is a practical anthology of some of the best elementary problems in different branches of mathematics. Arranged by subject, the problems highlight the most common problem-solving techniques encountered in undergraduate mathematics. This book teaches the important principles and broad strategies for coping with the experience of solving problems. It has been found very helpful for students preparing for the Putnam exam.

Sample problems for students studying math in grades 2-4.

The intellectual development of human beings from birth to adulthood is a fascinating phenomenon. Understanding the constraints that limit children’s intelligence, as well as discovering methods to improve it, has always been a challenging undertaking for developmental psychologists. This book presents a unique attempt to address these issues by establishing a dialogue between neo-Piagetian theorists and researchers specialized in typical and atypical working memory development. The book integrates recent advances in studies of working memory development with theories proposed by the most prominent neo-Piagetian researchers who have emphasized the role of cognitive resources and working memory capacity in the development of thinking and reasoning. In the opening section, the main proponents of this tradition develop their theories of cognitive development in terms of available mental attention, processing efficiency and speed, inhibition and relational complexity. The second part of the book addresses the mechanisms that underpin the increase in working memory capacity and the respective roles of processing efficiency, storage capacity, and the use of reactivation processes of memory traces such as rehearsal. Finally, the central role played by working memory in atypical development and learning difficulties is examined. This book provides psychologists, students and researchers who are interested in child development with an integrated and up-to-date series of chapters written by prominent specialists in the areas of working memory, attention, and cognitive development.