In focus: Problem solving and persistence
Problem solving helps children learn how to plan, test ideas and adapt when things do not work the first time. In a future shaped by AI, these skills become even more valuable because many problems will not have clear instructions or single right answers. The ability to experiment, learn from failure and keep improving is what allows humans to work creatively alongside intelligent tools.
Parent primer
This activity will involve trial, error and likely a few collapses. That is expected and useful. Resist the urge to fix or stabilize the bridge for them. Your role is to encourage trying again, noticing what changed and staying curious about what might work better next time.
All you’ll need
Two objects to act as riverbanks and blocks or other safe building items. This builder block set works well for many engineering skill development activities.
How it works
- Place two objects a short distance apart to create a gap.
- The goal is to build a bridge that connects the two sides.
- Invite your child to start building using the available materials.
- Test the bridge gently with a small toy or object.
- If the bridge collapses, pause and observe what happened.
- Ask what they might change to make it stronger or longer.
- Rebuild and test again.
- Repeat the cycle of building, testing and adjusting.
What to notice
Your child staying engaged after a collapse instead of giving up.
Your child changing their design approach rather than repeating.
Your child explaining why they think a change will help.
Moments of pride when an improvement works.
Extend the play
Add a weight test and see how much the bridge can hold.
Increase the gap between the riverbanks to raise the challenge.
Switch roles and let your child test your bridge design.
Age modifiers
- Ages 3-4: Use a very small gap and focus on simply connecting the two sides. Celebrate effort more than stability.
- Ages 5-6: Ask simple questions about why a bridge fell and what could help next time.
- Ages 7-8: Encourage testing different shapes or supports and comparing which designs work best.
- Ages 9-10: Introduce constraints such as limited materials or a required weight test.
-
Ages 11-12: Discuss trade-offs like strength versus length and invite them to plan before building.
Reflections for parents
You'll certainly feel the urge to save the bridge or make a quick fix. Resist this. This activity asks you to be comfortable with your child failing and giving them space to learn through experimentation. In doing so, you help them build confidence in their own problem-solving process rather than dependence on quick solutions.
Why this works
Hands-on building activities strengthen problem solving by combining planning, testing and revision in real time. Research shows that design-based play builds persistence and flexible thinking when children are encouraged to learn from failure rather than avoid it (Casey, B., Andrews, N. Schindler, H., Kersh, J. E., Sampler, A. & Copley, J. 2008).
Final takeaway
Learning to approach problems as experiments rather than tests helps children stay curious and resilient. That mindset supports creativity, confidence and adaptability.