Why Class 3 Kids Need to Learn Problem Solving Like CEOs

🚸 But… Why Class 3?

At this stage, kids are in the middle of foundational learning. They’re absorbing language, numbers, science, and the social world around them. Most importantly, their brains are wired for exploration and experimentation. If we wait until high school to introduce them to critical thinking or real-world challenges, we’re already too late.

Problem Solving Isn’t Just for the Boardroom.

It’s for:

  • Figuring out how to make friends. 
  • Navigating a tough math problem. 
  • Finding a new way to build a Lego house. 
  • Handling a lost eraser or a fight over lunch boxes. 

These are real problems in their world—and they need real strategies to face them.

👩‍💼 So What Does Problem Solving “Like a CEO” Mean for a 9-Year-Old?

CEOs aren’t just decision-makers. They are:

  • Creative thinkers who see solutions where others see roadblocks. 
  • Strategists who break big problems into manageable steps. 
  • Collaborators who listen, negotiate, and lead teams. 
  • Resilient doers who fail, learn, and try again—fast. 

And guess what? These are the exact skills Class 3 kids can start developing now—with the right support.

📚 From Rote to Real: Why Our Classrooms Need to Evolve

Too much of early education in India still focuses on:
  • Memorization over understanding
  • Correct answers over curious questions
  • Individual scores over team problem-solving
When we train kids to copy and repeat, we rob them of the thrill of figuring things out. That’s not education; that’s obedience. Instead, imagine this:
  • A math problem that asks kids to “plan a picnic within ₹500.”
  • A group activity where they must build a bridge using paper and tape.
  • A storytelling session where the hero fails and must try a different route.
These aren’t just fun—they’re brain workouts.

🛠️ How to Teach Problem Solving in Class 3 (At School & Home)

1. Start With Open-Ended Questions

Instead of asking “What’s 2 + 2?”, ask: “You have 2 mangoes, and your friend gives you some more. How many could you have now?” Encourage estimation, imagination, and real-life application.

2. Create Low-Stakes Challenges

Set up fun problems like:
  • “Build the tallest tower with 10 books.”
  • “Design a bag that carries lunch without leaking.”
  • “How can we stop ants from reaching our snack shelf?”
Let them fail, rethink, and try again.

3. Use Language of Possibility

Swap “That’s wrong” with: “Interesting idea. What else could we try?” “What might happen if…?” “Can you think of a different way?” This encourages risk-taking—key to problem solving.

4. Model It Yourself

Let them see you solving problems—changing a tire, fixing a broken remote, managing a disagreement with patience. Kids copy what they see, not just what they’re told.

đź’ˇ Real Skills, Real Life

Problem solving builds:
  • Confidence: “I can figure things out.”
  • Resilience: “Mistakes are not the end.”
  • Creativity: “There’s more than one way.”
  • Empathy: “What would help others too?”
These skills don’t just make a child smarter—they make them stronger, kinder, and more prepared for a world full of uncertainties.

👣 Final Thought: Why Wait?

If CEOs spend their lives solving big problems… Shouldn’t our kids start small—and start early? Class 3 isn’t too young. In fact, it might be the perfect time to stop teaching only answers, and start nurturing problem solvers for life.