Macro Mikado is a playful and creative way to stimulate problem-solving thinking. In this game, the students search for and make sticks and branches themselves, devise their own value system and draw up the rules of the game together. This active involvement challenges them to think, make choices and work together.

While gathering materials, children learn to assess which branches are suitable, how to play safely and how to identify differences. When devising a value system, they have to argue why a particular stick is worth more or fewer points, which encourages logical reasoning and evaluation. Drawing up rules requires analytical thinking: what happens if a stick moves, how do we determine who wins, and what do we do when in doubt?

During the game itself, children are also challenged to think strategically: which stick yields the most points without moving others? In addition, they learn to deal with conflicts and work together, for example when they disagree about a rule or scoring.

Key areas for problem-solving thinking development:

• Creative and practical thinking when collecting and creating game materials
• Logical reasoning when devising a value system
• Analytical thinking when drawing up and adapting game rules
• Strategic thinking during the game itself
• Collaboration and conflict resolution in a group setting 

By asking open questions and encouraging children to reflect on their choices and experiences, you strengthen their problem-solving skills in a playful and meaningful way.