Imagine a group of 4 kids, ranging from 9 - 14, working together, cooperating and solving some unusual and silly problems together. They were smiling, and proud of what they created.
This actually happened. And it was glorious to witness!
When I ran a summer program a few years ago, I was looking for fun and different ways to work on social skills. I came across a resource full of creative problem solving prompts for kids. There was a list of different materials you could use and a ton of problems to solve. It was such a hit at summer program, I wanted to do it at my own home with my own kids. My two kids cooperated, and we even did some of these during a playdate. Here’s how you can set it up at your home...
Gather the following materials from around your home
Feel free to substitute if you don’t have something. This is meant to be easy to set up, not extra work for you!
Paper Straws
Cotton Balls
Yarn
Paper Cups
Clothespins
White Cord
Tape
Popsicle Sticks
Paper Clips
Sticky Notes
Using these 10 materials, solve any 2 of the following problems. You don’t have to use all the materials to solve the problem, but they are all available for you:
Make a device to move a stuffed animal from one room to another without touching the ground
Devise a slide for mini figures
Make a leprechaun trap
Create a jump ramp for cars
Using at least 4 supplies, build the highest tower you can
Make up your own game - make sure you remember to make rules for how to score and win.
Make a device for two people to communicate to one another
Using at least 3 supplies, make a device that can roll 3 feet
Build a house for a small figure
Make an invention that a kid would love
My children made a slide for their mini figures that went from the second floor to the first floor. It was a riot.
I’d love to see what your children create. Please share your creations on our facebook page!!
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The topics we cover in this episode are:
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