Problem Solving Fun

Lesson Overview

Year Level: Prep
Subject: Mathematics
Lesson Duration: 30 minutes
Unit: Problem Solving Adventures (Lesson 1 of 6)
Australian Curriculum Reference:

• Content Descriptor: AC9MFN01 – Recognise and name whole numbers up to 10 and establish understanding of the concept of quantity
• General Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability

Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify simple mathematical problems in everyday situations
• Discuss possible solutions using basic reasoning skills
• Work in pairs to share their ideas and solutions

Success Criteria

Students will demonstrate their understanding by:

• Recognising and describing simple problems
• Suggesting a solution to a given scenario
• Participating in small group discussions

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up Activity – The Mystery Box (5 mins)

💡 Objective: Engage students and activate thinking about problem solving

Place a "mystery box" (a shoebox wrapped like a present with a small object inside) at the front of the class. Ask students:

"What do you think is inside? How could we find out?"

Encourage students to suggest different ways to solve this "problem" (shake the box, feel the weight, peek inside, etc.). This introduces the idea that problem solving involves thinking and trying different approaches.

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2. Story Time – Sebastian the Problem-Solving Kangaroo (8 mins)

📖 Objective: Introduce problem solving through a relatable story

Tell a short, interactive story about Sebastian the Kangaroo, who is trying to share his favourite berries with his friends, but there aren’t enough for everyone!

• Ask the students: "What is Sebastian’s problem?"
• Encourage discussion: "How could he solve it?"
• Write a few suggestions on the board (e.g., share evenly, find more berries).

This helps students understand that problems can be solved in multiple ways.

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3. Pair Activity – Helping Hands (10 mins)

👐 Objective: Encourage teamwork and creative thinking

Give each pair a "problem scenario" on a card (examples below):

• "Four friends want to sit on two chairs—what can they do?"
• "There are three teddy bears but only two pillows—how can they share?"
• "Max has six crayons and Mia only has two—what could they do?"

Students discuss their ideas with their partners. After a few minutes, each pair shares their solution with the class.

👏 Reinforce that there are many ways to solve a problem!

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4. Reflection – Thumbs Up, Thumbs Sideways (5 mins)

🤔 Objective: Encourage self-reflection and consolidate learning

Ask students:

• "Did you enjoy solving problems today?"
• "Was it tricky to think of a solution?"

Students respond with thumbs up (easy), thumbs sideways (a little tricky).

Wrap up by saying:
"In the next lesson, we will find even more fun ways to solve problems!" 🎉

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Materials Needed

✔ Mystery Box (shoebox with objects inside)
✔ Printed problem scenario cards (one per pair)
✔ Whiteboard and markers

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Differentiation Adjustments

✅ For additional support: Pair struggling students with confident peers and provide visual cues for solutions.
✅ For extension: Ask students to "act out" a problem-solving scenario instead of just discussing it.

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Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson Notes)

• What worked well?
• Were students engaged with the problem-solving scenarios?
• Did students collaborate effectively in pairs?
• Adjustments needed for the next lesson?

🔹This lesson introduces problem solving in a creative and fun way, laying the foundation for more advanced problem-solving strategies in future lessons! 🚀