Our Favorite Resources for K-2 Problem Solving

Cohen, Sandra R. (1991). Figure It Out: Thinking Like a math Problem Solver (Books 1-6). North Billerica, MA: Curriculum Associates, Inc. ISBN 1-55915-081-5

The primary grade versions of thes series of consumable workbooks are excellent resources to use with K-2 students. The problems are very good. Unfortunately, each problem is followed by a series of questions designed to help students work through the problem. Often, the questions keep students from investigating the problem in their own ways. You might want to try having students work through an entire problem before they open their workbooks to record their answers. That way, students can develop their own understanding of the problem.

 

Cook, Marcy (1982). Think about It! Mathematics Activities of the Day. Mountain View, CA: Creative Publications. ISBN 0-88488-233-0

While there is a primary version of Think About It!, this upper elementary version is actually much more useful. It is an excellent source of problems that can be scaled down for younger students (although few will lend themselves to modifications appropriate for Ks and early 1s). Surprisingly, the primary version of this book tends to have one-dimensional problems, typical of the kind you might use for a warm-up activity, so we prefer this upper-level version.

 

Currie, Stephen (1994). Problem Play. Palo Alto, CA: Dale Seymour Publications. ISBN 0-86651-729-4

One of the very best books we've found for K-2 problem solving. The selection of problems has variety, the discussion pages always offer ways to extend the problems, and many of the problems can be adapted to accommodate different levels of learners.

Eckert, Sharon and Judy Leimbach (1993). Primarily Math: A Problem Solving Approach. San Luis Obispo, CA: Dandy Lion Publications. ISBN 0-931724-98-8

Another excellent resource for primary problem solving. Although this book is intended for grades 2-4, many of the problems are appropriate for second graders, and many can be scaled down for younger students.