Start by reading the problem to the children. Let them work individually or in small groups to solve it. If the answer requires writing, encourage them to use “kindergarten” (phonetic) spelling. It may not be pretty (or even decipherable) at this point in the year, so expect to go around and do a lot of dictation. It is more important, right now, for kids to be able to talk (than write) about their solutions.
When most of the children have completed their solutions, bring them to Mathematician's Chair to share/discuss their answers. (See tips here.)
Day 1
You will be amazed with the variety of answers kids will come up with for this question. Of course, there is The fish--because it lives in the water. But then again, it might be The cat--because it can't swim. Or The fish--because it doesn't have legs. Or The cat--because the dog will chase the cat and the cat will eat the fish, but the dog and the fish will get along just fine!
Day 2
Seems simple--3 tails, 3 cats, right? But wait--maybe it's 10 cats, but only 3 are sticking out their tails. Or maybe its Zero cats--there are puppies in the box. Here's a great question for Mathematician's Chair: Can there be just 2 cats in the box?
Day 3

Is it a dog? Cat? Elephant?


Loving your site!
Posted by: Michelle | 10/30/2010 at 01:15 AM
I just found your site and I love it!
Posted by: Angie S | 01/27/2011 at 06:00 PM
Just found your site and I LOVE it! Please keep posting your weekly math problem solving. I am trying to improve my math teaching and your ideas are taking me in the right direction!
Posted by: Harmony | 07/28/2011 at 04:45 PM
I love your math problem solving....I will give this a try. I will be making some math journals this weekend. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas. Love Your Blog :)
Sue
http://theverybusykindergarten.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Sue | 08/12/2011 at 09:39 PM
Thank you for sharing your problem solving techniques!! Cant wait to see your problems for the first nine weeks :)
Posted by: Ashley C | 08/26/2012 at 07:06 PM
Where do you post your daily problems I just found you and want to go out and by books now :)
Posted by: Melissa samborski | 09/01/2012 at 11:02 PM
I have been following your Math Problem solving lessons step by step for the last 2 weeks with my senior kindergarten students. Thanks so much for sharing. I am excited about the learning that is happening in my classroom with these math problems!
Posted by: Anna | 10/20/2012 at 01:10 PM