Identify something to improve
Inspect a room, toy, or routine; list problems, suggest three improvements, try one change, and evaluate whether it made things better.
Step-by-step guide to identify something to improve
Emotions for Kids | Identifying and Managing Feelings | It's Easy With Twinkl | Twinkl USA
Step 1
Pick one thing to improve by choosing a room a toy or a daily routine.
Step 2
Set a timer for five minutes and quietly look around or think about how the routine happens.
Step 3
Write down at least three problems you notice in your notebook.
Step 4
For each problem write one short sentence explaining why it is a problem.
Step 5
For each problem think of and write three different improvement ideas on sticky notes or in your notebook.
Step 6
Choose the best idea by circling it or moving its sticky note to the top.
Step 7
Write a simple plan with two or three small steps to try the chosen idea.
Step 8
Gather any items you need to make the change.
Step 9
Follow your plan and make the change.
Step 10
Use the changed setup or try the new routine for at least two days or for one full routine cycle.
Step 11
Watch how things go and write down what worked and what did not.
Step 12
Decide whether to keep the change modify it or try a different idea and write your decision.
Step 13
Share your finished creation and what you learned on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have sticky notes or a notebook?
Use torn paper, index cards, or a notes app/voice memo to write your three problems and three improvement ideas and then move or reorder them when choosing the best idea just like the sticky-note step.
I can't think of three problems or three improvement ideas in five minutes — what should we do?
If the 'set a timer for five minutes' step feels too short, run another five-minute round or pause the timer and use prompts (who uses it, when it goes wrong, what's messy) to help you write at least three problems and three improvement ideas.
How can we adapt this activity for younger or older children?
For younger kids, simplify by drawing problems, having a parent help write the two- or three-step plan and gather items, while older kids can follow the full process and add measurements or a photo log to share on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the change after trying it for two days?
After using the changed setup for at least two days, take before-and-after photos, score what worked and what did not, try a different circled idea if needed, and post your final decision and lessons on DIY.org.
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Facts about problem-solving and critical thinking for kids
🔍 Design thinking uses five friendly steps — empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test — perfect for spotting and fixing problems.
💡 Thinking of at least three different ideas makes it much more likely you'll find a creative, useful improvement.
🛠️ Trying one small change (a prototype) is faster and cheaper than doing a big overhaul — and you can always tweak it!
📏 Measuring something simple, like minutes saved or toys on the floor, makes it clear whether a change actually helped.
🏅 Kids who help improve their rooms or routines usually feel proud and are more likely to keep the new habits going.
