Emma's story: A case study of a toddler's problem solving development

Abstract

Problem solving is an essential life skill developed very early in our lives, and in a variety of ways. Toddlers (approximately 12 months to three years of age) and very young children have an innate desire to explore their worlds and as they do so encounter many ways that may assist them in their quest for knowledge and skills. This paper examines some of the literature surrounding problem solving and discusses evidence that toddlers do engage in solving complex problems as a foundation for future mathematical understanding. This empirical evidence is based upon a case study of a child, in the toddler stage, observed in her own home.