How can parents and teachers feel more confident teaching problem solving? How can we help students enjoy and master problem solving? After teaching problem solving for more than 35 years, the author walks students through easy-to-understand instruction and fun, engaging problems. This book uses entertaining problems to build real confidence in problem solving and improve critical thinking.

Problem solving is engaging in any problem or activity that requires a series of thinking skills. For example, a good word problem in mathematics requires some thought process beyond a quick arithmetic solution. A “problem solving” problem can be a puzzle, game, brainteaser, logic problem, or any word problem that engages the reader in using a strategy. Becoming a good problem solver takes time, but it’s a skill that can be developed with practice.