Problem Solving in Elementary Mathematics: Cultivating Thinkers, Not Just Doers
Submitted by Jessica Massei, Lower School Math Specialist

Imagine your child comes home from school with a math problem that doesn’t have an obvious answer. They’re frustrated and unsure of how to start. As a parent, it’s tempting to jump in, show them the steps and try to help them master a procedure. But this moment of struggle can be an opportunity for your child to become more than just a “doer” of math. It’s a chance to begin mastering the art of problem-solving.

In today’s world, where creativity and critical thinking are prized, the real value of math education goes far beyond simply memorizing formulas and solving equations quickly. The art of problem-solving in elementary math isn’t just about getting the right answer; it’s also about teaching children how to think, how to approach problems from different angles, how to communicate ideas effectively, and how to persevere through challenges. These are skills they’ll carry with them into many aspects of their lives, from the classroom to the world beyond.

In some classrooms, and even in some of our own past experiences, math is taught as a series of procedures to follow. We may have learned how to do things but not necessarily stopped to ask why we do them. While direct or explicit instruction is an important teaching method to develop skills, we can blend this approach with experiential learning in mathematics so that children are not only building procedural competency, but also increasing critical thinking, curiosity and creativity. Real-life problems are rarely so cut-and-dried, and that is part of the reason why modern math instruction began emphasizing problem solving more heavily, where students learn how to think analytically and flexibly, work through uncertainty, and come up with solutions that are both innovative and practical. This work can be seen not only in homogeneous groups of students but heterogeneous groups as well, where diverse math experiences and perspectives come together and collaborative efforts reflect the real-life necessity to work with different kinds of people.

In today’s classrooms, teachers are placing a greater emphasis on problem-solving by encouraging students to explore, question, and experiment with different strategies that are intentionally linked to a clearly outlined scope and sequence for learning. With important strategies and steps such as understanding the problem, exploring different approaches, and testing ideas, teachers are facilitating learning in mathematics that stretches beyond the classroom. Parents can also play a key role in helping children develop these skills. At home, families can create an environment where inquisitiveness and persistence are celebrated, where kids feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. By encouraging problem solving in meaningful and supportive ways, we help children build the confidence and resourcefulness they need to tackle not just math problems, but any obstacle that comes their way.

The art of problem solving in elementary math is about more than just teaching kids how to calculate or memorize formulas. It’s about nurturing a mindset that will help them approach the world with adaptability, innovation, and resilience. As children grow and pursue passions and career paths, they will encounter many challenges, some that are straightforward and others that require out-of-the-box thinking. By fostering problem-solving skills in mathematics today, we are helping children become versatile thinkers who can face whatever the future holds with confidence, and that is a life lesson worth mastering.