Problem Solving with Tools

This is a very funny picture, but it really demonstrates problem solving.
Problem: a marble rolled under the block cabinet and the boys needed it back
Boys' suggested solutions: "Let's move the cabinet." (too heavy - won't move.)
"I'll reach under." (too tight - arm won't fit.) "We need something to stick under there." (ok - like what?) "Something long." (How about a ruler?)
New problem: "I can't see it. Where is it?" (What do we need to see it?)
New solution: "A flashlight."
Mrs. Magee and the boys spent several minutes on possible solutions and using methods of trial and error to solve the problem. It would have been far easier for Mrs. Magee to just do it herself, but then the boys would have missed out on the opportunity to solve for themselves. Our job as teachers is to facilitate and assist, not solve it for them. This is just one of the many ways we encourage independence in young children. The next time something gets under the cabinet, the boys will know how to get it out because they've done it before!