FM.E.71 SOLVES SIMPLE PROBLEMS USING TOOLS

When a child pulls a string to attain a toy (FM.E.33, FM.E.50) he is using the string as a tool. Here, the child’s ability to use tools to meet his ends is extended. You can teach your child some basic strategies, such as using a stick to bring an object within reach, by setting up problems for him to solve. It is equally important to make full use of real problems that occur from day to day, by helping your child to find solutions and carry them through himself, rather than stepping in to solve his problems for him.

From all this talk about solving problems, you can see that this item could also have been placed in Sequence FM.H: Problem Solving and Puzzles. We include it here because using tools involves considerable manual dexterity, and without this dexterity, problem-solving ability will be of little practical use to him.

How to Assess

Materials: A hollow container or tube, 3 to 6 cm in diameter, open at both ends. A stick. A small soft toy.

Method: Stuff the toy into the container and give it to your child, with the stick. Point out the toy to your child, and ask him to get it out, but do not demonstrate or give further directions.

Score plus if your child uses the stick to push the toy out of the container.

How to Teach

Teach by demonstration and giving verbal directions. Give no more physical help than is absolutely necessary,

Start with a toy that fits loosely in the container, and progress to toys that fit more tightly. Short tubes, such as empty toilet rolls, will be easier to begin with than long ones.

If your child shows little interest in pushing out the toy, a clear tube that leaves the toy visible can be very helpful. You could make such a tube from stiff cellophane.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

What can you do when Teddy falls under the bed, or the plug gets stuck in the bath, or the door keeps banging, or the ball gets stuck in the tree? Discuss such situations with your child, as they occur. Give him the opportunity to find solutions before you step in. If your help or advice is needed, let your child participate actively in finding a suitable tool and in carrying out the solution.

Remembering and Extending

Encouraging your child to use tools to solve his problems should be an ongoing process. Often it will be so much easier and quicker to provide the solution yourself, but do refer the problem to him when time allows.

You are sure to find that your child learns to use tools to get into all sorts of mischief. The child who pulls a chair across the room to climb up to a forbidden shelf is using a tool to solve his problem. While such events are unlikely to meet with your unconditional delight, it is good to know that your child is using his skill in inventive ways!