Students in grades K-3 can do Curricular Problem Solving. For students new to Future Problem Solving especially junior level (grades 4-6) the Primary Problem makes a great start. For some topics, the Primary Problem works better for fourth graders. Teachers of the gifted with pull-out programs find the Curricular Problem lets them start building skills in primary that transition easily to Future Problem Solving and competitive teams. Teachers of regular elementary classes will find it a great way to teach problem solving.

First, register to receive your materials. Peruse them carefully. Gather your group and start. You may use any number of students. Read the scenario with the students. Some teacher/coaches write the student responses on the forms rephrasing them orally as clearly stated challenges, underlying problem, solutions, criteria. Others help students rephrase orally but have students write all responses. Still another way is to copy the student's work on to the forms after guiding their phrasing. The age of students and their facility with writing makes a difference. They have the ideas but it can be laborious for them to write them completely. They need good models of clarity and elaboration. Whatever works for your group is fine. This is a learning process. Make a photocopy of your booklet. Mail the original as directed in the packet. It will evaluated and your will receive the evaluation only in a couple weeks. The original will not be returned.  Go over the evaluation with your students. You may use the materials with more than one group that you coach but only one booklet will be evaluated per subscription.

• Primarily, this process provides an excellent life-long skill.
• Secondarily, it's fun and challenging. Students like thinking.
• Thirdly, it's a great beginning to Future Problem Solving.