"Whether routine or non-routine, problems should engage students and require inquisitive processes.  Students should learn that they solve problems by thinking, not by rote memorization of steps.  Solving problems with different numbers, but the same solution method, provides computation practice, but not problem solving practice.  Meaningful practice is provided by problems that can be solved by a variety of methods and therefore requires students to think about their solution strategies.

Not all students will solve a problem in the same way.  To encourage flexible thinking, problems should lend themselves to a variety of solution methods."  (Problem Solving by Edward Manfre)

Concerned about how to best help your child with his/her problem solving skills?  Hopefully these problem solving documents will enhance your comfort level and understanding of the basic problem solving strategies your child uses in math class.