- Challenge: Common problems here are differences in skills, frustration at failure, or group dynamic:
Tip Start small and simple. Start with a short and simple problem or practice project. This way children first learn about the process without making it too big or complicated.
Delineating the roadmap to 3 steps can also help, for example: - Who has a problem?
- What is the problem?
- What can we do to help?
- Challenge: Frustration at “not knowing” or “making mistakes”?
Tip 1: Repeat often that making mistakes is part of the process. Celebrate attempts, failures and improvements. Use posters or cards with phrases such as “I’ll try again” or “I don’t know yet, but…”
Tip 2: Bridge Differences in Working Together. Provide clarity about roles: for example, a draftsman, questioner, builder, or presenter. Allow children to alternate roles so everyone discovers their talents.
Tip 3: Focus on process, not perfect end product. Emphasize steps, not a beautiful result. “How did you come up with that idea?” is more important than “Did it turn out nicely?” Have several children tackle the same problem – then you’ll see how many ways there are to think!
Tip 4: Use smiley cards or stickers to give feedback visually. Keep it playful and flexible! Children learn best when they feel safe to explore. Leave room for fun, imagination, crazy ideas – and show that their voices matter. - Challenge: Young learners feel stress or chaos because of the variety of choice.
Tip: Guide materials selection. Limit the number of materials with young learners to avoid choice stress or chaos. Create “prototyping kits” with simple items for each group: paper, tape, straws, cardboard, string, etc. (this is not the same as giving an example!) - Challenge: Young children are frustrated because of the time pressure
Tip: Work with a time clock or hourglass for each step. Working short keeps them energized and organized. Have them write down or draw what they would do if there was no time – that too is valuable thinking!
