In your opinion, at what age should children be introduced to the theory of solving inventive problems? While you are thinking, we will answer: from kindergarten. No, no, we are not talking about forcing preschoolers to take integrals or design 3D graphics. The point is to teach children to think creatively and find ways to solve problems that arise before them.
Agree, even the most loving and caring parents cannot give their children ready-made templates for solutions for all occasions. And not even because it is physically impossible, but because it is not necessary. A much more reasonable step would be to instill in children an algorithm for solving emerging problems and teach children to use it.
Our program “TRIZ in practice: a creative approach at work and in life” will help you with this. And, of course, our article about TRIZ methods for preschoolers, where we will look at the basics of this creative approach for the little ones who have already reached kindergarten, but who are too early for school. This is the most important stage, because it is during this period of life that children lay the foundations of thinking and the foundations for their future success in school and life.
What is TRIZ?
First, let's say a few words about what TRIZ is. The original idea of TRIZ is that different problems can often be solved using the same methods. The theory is based on several dozen ready-made techniques and solution templates, from which you need to select the most suitable ones for a specific task.
Initially, the posed problem is reduced to a certain general form, then a suitable technique is sought to solve it, and then the solution found is applied to the initially posed problem. At first, the theory was used to solve technical problems, but later it became clear that TRIZ could be applied to life and to solve a wide range of problems.
The very first version of the theory of solving inventive problems was developed by
Genrikh Saulovich Altshuller (1926-1998), known to science fiction fans under the pseudonym Genrikh Altov. Yes, he is not only an inventor, but also a talented writer, and his “Legends of Star Captains” and other works are loved by many generations of readers [G. Altov, 2015]. By the way, Heinrich Altshuller wrote a lot for children. Is this why the theory he invented for solving inventive problems is applicable even to kindergartens?
Heinrich Altshuller began developing the principles and methodology of TRIZ in the post-war years, then continued to work on the theory in collaboration with the inventor Rafael Borisovich Shapiro (1926-1993). By the way, Shapiro was also a writer and signed his works with the pseudonym Rafail Bakhtamov. It is significant that the very first publication devoted to TRIZ touched primarily on issues of the psychology of invention and was called “On the Psychology of Inventive Creativity” [G. Altshuller, R. Shapiro, 1956].
In the same article, an attempt was made to systematize the creative process, breaking it down into stages:
- Analytical stage – selection and definition of the fundamentals of the problem, identification of the main contradiction and its causes.
- The operational stage is the study of typical solutions in nature and technology, and the subsequent search for new methods within the system and beyond.
- The synthetic stage is the introduction of functionally determined changes to the system and methods of its use, checking the applicability of the principle to solving other problems.
The concepts, methods and solution schemes were presented in more detail in the book “Introduction to TRIZ”, which was subsequently republished many times. Basic concepts and approaches" [G. Altshuller, 2011]. Thus, the author of the theory believes that the first step to invention is the correct formulation of the situation so as to immediately exclude from consideration not very effective and not very promising solutions.
Next, you need to set the task in the format of “remove unnecessary quality without losing the functionality of the system” or “add the desired quality in addition to the existing ones.” This formulation of the problem allows us to answer a number of extremely important questions for subsequent work :
- What parts does the system have and how do they interact?
- Which parts and interactions are beneficial, which are harmful, and which are neutral?
- What can be changed without losing functionality, and what cannot?
- What will lead to improvement of system functions and what will lead to deterioration?
Then you need to identify contradictions on the way to solving all these issues and eliminate them. For example, to increase the strength of a structure without increasing the mass of the structure. Actually, after all this has been done, there is literally a step left before invention. The algorithm for solving inventive problems (abbreviated as ARIZ) developed by Heinrich Altshuller includes several dozen steps. The number of steps varies depending on the version of the algorithm.
How can all of the above be applied in kindergarten, when most children have just begun to memorize letters and numbers? Let's find out!
Decision techniques for TRIZ
TRIZ has identified 40 different methods and techniques for solving contradictions in technical inventive problems. Below I will list 10 of the most popular ones.
Crushing principle
It works like this:
- divide the object into independent parts;
- We carry out tasks in disassembled form;
- increasing the degree of crushing.
The principle of adjudication
Here we separate from the object those parts or properties that interfere or are not needed, or, conversely, we select the necessary elements.
The principle of unification
To implement it we do the following:
- we connect objects that are homogeneous or intended for related operations;
- We combine homogeneous or related operations in time.
The principle of "vice versa"
Here we follow this algorithm:
- we perform the opposite action to what is dictated by the conditions of the task;
- we make the moving part motionless, and set the motionless part in motion;
- we turn the object inside out or turn it upside down.
The principle of continuity of useful action
When implementing it, work must be carried out continuously. In this case, all elements must operate at full load at all times, and the performer should eliminate idle and intermediate actions.
The principle of “turning harm into benefit”
A non-standard method, but it works, and in the following way:
- We use harmful factors to achieve a positive effect;
- we eliminate a harmful factor by combining it with other harmful factors;
- we strengthen the harmful factor to such an extent that it ceases to be harmful.
The principle of "intermediary"
To implement it, you should introduce an intermediate object that carries or transmits the action. You can also temporarily attach another easily removable object to an object.
Self-service principle
Everything is simple here - the object maintains itself independently, and, if necessary, performs auxiliary and repair operations.
Copy principle
Instead of an inaccessible, complex, expensive, inconvenient or fragile part, simpler or cheaper copies can be used.
The principle of cheap fragility instead of durability
This means replacing an expensive part with a cheaper set that is inferior to the original in some qualities, such as durability.
Why is the TRIZ methodology needed in kindergarten?
We all come from childhood, and the foundations of a person’s future life are laid precisely in preschool age. At this time, the little person learns to walk and talk, read and write, listen and understand, communicate and express emotions, and, of course, think.
Today, creative thinking is needed in almost any field of activity: law and software development, medicine and the construction of country cottages, pedagogy and even the installation of telecommunication networks, because communication means penetrate where nothing is suitable for their use.
How work with children in kindergarten is structured largely determines how creative thinking will be developed in children. And, therefore, how well they will study, how well they will choose a profession and how well they will be able to fit into the modern world. The objectives of the TRIZ methodology are precisely to teach a creative approach, and therefore are ideally suited for working with preschoolers.
Children are not yet constrained by perception patterns, they are inquisitive and spontaneous, they are just learning about this life. Therefore, nothing prevents them from imagining their imaginary world and deciding for themselves how they want to see it. Ideally, children should not only not be disturbed, but also indulge in every possible way their desire for creativity and learning everything new. The introduction of the TRIZ methodology in a preschool educational institution (preschool educational institution) contributes to the creative process to the fullest.
Let us note that creativity is not some separate process isolated from everything else. Creativity is directly related to the development of analytical thinking, observation, attentiveness, imagination, speech, and the acquisition of new sensorimotor skills. As a result, the ability to think creatively contributes to the formation of a multifaceted personality with a broad outlook and the ability to practically solve emerging problems.
Objectives of the TRIZ methodology:
- Development of creative perception and thinking.
- Development of the qualities of a creative personality.
- Formation of vocabulary.
- Development of coherent speech and the ability to express thoughts.
- Pronunciation correction.
- Formation of perception of numbers and mathematical concepts.
- Teaching constructive activities.
- Instilling socialization, interaction and teamwork skills.
Thus, the TRIZ methodology contributes not only to creativity itself. The TRIZ technique is no less useful in developing coherent speech, replenishing vocabulary, acquiring skills in operating numbers and mathematical concepts, and much more. It is probably easier to find what is not included in the tasks of the TRIZ methodology.
Therefore, the TRIZ methodology in kindergarten is needed, on the one hand, to develop flexibility and systematic thinking, and on the other hand, to stimulate search activity and the ability to find answers to non-standard questions. Using the TRIZ methodology, you can significantly activate a child’s creative potential, his mental activity and imagination, and raise a child into a real inventor and generator of new ideas.
And one more important point. A kindergarten, a group in a kindergarten, is a small group, but a team. And sometimes it’s not a small, but a fairly large children’s group. Group classes using the TRIZ method teach children cooperation, interaction, the ability to help a friend and find a way out of a difficult situation, as well as rejoice at their own and others’ successes when the problem is successfully solved.
The results will not take long to arrive. Parents and educators will soon see that the child’s drawings have become more diverse, artistic subjects are more complex, speech is more literate, and now the child assembles structures from Lego not only from the proposed pictures, but also by inventing his own figures.
In general, TRIZ is a useful technique for children in all respects. All that remains is to figure out how to apply such a complex technique as TRIZ for such young children as preschoolers.
How to use TRIZ to solve a problem
For technology to help solve the problem, it is advisable to follow the following algorithm of actions:
- Formulate an inventive problem.
- Analyze the system and determine what parameters it consists of.
- Identify the contradiction and determine what type it belongs to.
- Formulate the ideal end result.
- Identify available resources that will assist in the solution process.
- Use one or more suitable techniques.
- Analyze the result.
TRIZ methodology: implementation technologies
The essence of the TRIZ method for preschoolers is to draw the child’s attention to the features of the world around him, interesting phenomena and events, but at the same time not to give an exhaustive explanation and answer to all questions. In other words, you don’t need to give children ready-made recipes and solutions, you need to teach them to find answers on their own.
In this sense, TRIZ is quite rightly considered a “school of creative personality”, because TRIZ presupposes creativity in everything, from posing a question to ways of finding an answer. By the way, this is completely consistent with the concept of the great Russian teacher, psychologist and researcher Lev Vygotsky.
Thus, he explored the relationship between learning and development, thinking and speech, creativity and imagination, social environment and mental development. He introduced into scientific use the concept of the “zone of proximal development for children” and always insisted that learning is not the same as development. You can read more about his developments in this direction, in particular, in the book “Thinking and Speech” [L. Vygotsky, 1999].
Actually, the difference between TRIZ and traditional methods of working with children is precisely to give children the opportunity to think of things that are accessible to them with their own minds, and not just repeat what adults have said. Of course, such methods require special training on the part of preschool teachers.
At a minimum, they themselves should be able to see the unusual in the ordinary, the new in the familiar. And they must be able to show this new and unusual to children. How? For this purpose, there are special methods and technologies adapted to the characteristics of preschool age.
TRIZ methods for preschoolers are described in detail in the book “TRIZ Classes in Kindergarten (a manual for teachers of preschool institutions)” [P. Gin, 2010]. Options for applying these methods in practice can be found in the book “Development of Creative Thinking. Along the steps of TRIZ. First stage. Workbook" [E. Pchelkina, 2019].
Let’s say right away that in TRIZ methods for children we will see a lot in common with methods for stimulating creative activity and imagination in adults. The difference will only be in the specifics of the tasks that children face. All tasks are adapted taking into account the age and perception of preschoolers, and the teacher acts as a moderator of the discussion. So let's see how it works!
Brainstorming method
The brainstorming technique is that children are given a problem and asked to find a solution, and they are allowed to put forward any, even the most unrealistic, versions of the solution. Any criticism of the ideas put forward is prohibited, both from adults and from group mates in the kindergarten. You can only complement and offer improvements to other people's ideas. Tasks for brainstorming are chosen from among those understandable to children:
- How to save your grandmother from a gray wolf.
- How to put out a fire without water.
- Where to hide from the heat in summer.
When a lot of ideas accumulate, the discussion participants all together choose the best option.
Method of morphological analysis
The essence of the method is to try to combine different characteristics of an object when creating a new object. Let's say, if you need to invent a new game, for clarity, two axes are drawn. Along one they draw the parts of the body that will be involved in the game (arms, legs, arms + legs), and along the other are the playing devices that can be used (ball, tennis racket, jump rope).
Next, the whole team goes through possible options for combining and using body parts and gaming devices in the game, and at the end, you can invite everyone to play together a new game that the children have just come up with. Such games using the TRIZ method greatly develop fantasy, imagination, and the ability to interact. This is a simple example, but in principle, using the method of morphological analysis, you can invent much more complex things and find dozens of variations of a future invention.
Focal object method
This method assumes, to some extent, the opposite situation: you need to transfer the properties of one object to another. The simplest example: imagine and draw what a dog with wings, a bird with horns, or a waterfowling camel might look like.
In a similar way, you can try to “create” a hybrid of a ship and an airplane, a train and a submarine, a car and a helicopter. The main thing is not to limit children's imagination in anything! In this regard, the focal object method is ideal specifically for children, because its application possibilities are limited for complex technical solutions.
Directory method
The essence of the method is to arrange events in a logical sequence and come up with connections and transitions between them. In this way, for example, you can compose a new fairy tale. The teacher gives hints in the form of pictures and leading questions:
- Who is our main character in the fairy tale?
- Is this hero positive or negative?
- Why is this hero positive or negative?
- What bad did the bad guy do?
- What good did the positive hero do?
- How did they fight each other?
- Who supported the negative hero?
- Who supported the positive hero?
- How did the confrontation between good and evil end?
In addition to imagination, this TRIZ technique is useful in developing coherent speech, public speaking skills and expanding vocabulary.
Personal analogy method
As part of this method, children are asked to personally depict any animal, phenomenon, or object. You should start with simple tasks. Let's say, depict a cat or a dog, show how the cat or dog is angry, happy, asking for food.
Afterwards you can move on to more difficult tasks. For example, depict rain, a thunderstorm, snowfall, a storm at sea, a boiling kettle, or a working vacuum cleaner. Then you can further complicate the task. For example, ask the children to imagine how a cat or dog would sing the song “A Christmas Tree Was Born in the Forest.” Or choose a suitable song for the “singing vacuum cleaner”.
Little People Modeling Method
The little people technique in TRIZ is a simplified and accessible for children version of the structure of the surrounding world from three types of little people: “hydratics”, “tverdikov”, “pneumatics”. Solid objects seem to be made of “tverdik”, and the “tverdik” stand close to each other and hold hands tightly.
By analogy, liquids seem to consist of “hydratics”, because “hydratics” do not hold hands and can move relative to each other. But “pneumatics” are constantly in motion, so we cannot see air, gas and other gaseous substances with our own eyes.
To begin with, children are explained the structure of solid, liquid and gaseous objects separately, and only then in connection and interaction. For example, iced tea is in a solid cup made of “hards”, and itself consists of “hydrates”. If the tea is hot, steam from the “pneumatics” rises above it.
In a similar way, it can be explained why you can easily remove a spoon from a cup of tea by picking it up, but you cannot pick up water from a cup. If we imagine that a spoon consists of several “tverdiki” that hold hands tightly, then, by taking and lifting one “tverdik”, we lift all the others with it. And water consists of many “hydratics” that do not hold hands. Therefore, taking one “hydratic”, we can only pull it out of the cup, that is, only a drop of water.
Methodology of typical fantasy techniques
The method of standard fantasy techniques (TFT) involves changing the properties of an object using magic. The Wizard of Increase, the Wizard of Decrease, the Wizards of Division and Union, and also the Wizards who can take us to the past or future come to the aid of children.
Children need to imagine what will happen if this or that object is enlarged, reduced, divided into parts, or transferred to another era. Examples of practical tasks can be found in the report “Methodology of typical fantasy techniques (TPF)”, made specifically for teachers working with young children [L. Mikhailina, 2016]. By the way, this technique is suitable not only for kindergartens. This TRIZ technique is also used in elementary schools.
Goldfish method
The Goldfish Method consists of dividing a situation into its component elements, evaluating the elements as real or fantastic, and finding a rationale for elements that seem impossible and fantastic. This method was named according to the plot of a well-known fairy tale, and it is easiest to consider the application of the method using the example of a fairy tale about a goldfish.
Children are offered a line-by-line analysis of the work with a rating on the “real - fantastic” scale. So, the first few lines look quite real. The old man could really live with his old woman on the seashore, and indeed, instead of fish, with a net you can pull out both algae and mud. Fantasy begins from the moment when a goldfish falls into the net.
Can a fish be gold? Here the children are invited to find an explanation for this phenomenon. For example, fish scales sparkled in the rays of the sun and therefore seemed golden. Or the sea was distant and southern, where fish of the most bizarre colors are found. This is how children find reasons for phenomena that are incomprehensible and unreal at first glance. Therefore, the “Goldfish” method is often called the method of substantiating new ideas.
Snowball method
The Snowball method is the exact opposite of the Goldfish method. It is based on the assumption of a certain fantastic situation, on which, like a rolling snowball, very real events are layered. A classic use of this technique is the story “Amphibian Man” by Alexander Belyaev.
The initially unrealistic fantastic idea that gills were implanted into a person to breathe under water is superimposed on other, very real events from people’s lives. By the way, the “Snowball” method is most often used for writing fairy tales. And, using this method, it is quite possible to teach children to compose fairy tales on their own.
These are the most basic and most popular TRIZ techniques for preschoolers. You will find more methodological developments in the article “Conducting classes using TRIZ technology in kindergarten” [N. Fominykh, 2017].
We already foresee that some readers are ready to begin making skeptical remarks about the authors of the methodology and assumptions that the authors themselves did not work in kindergarten and have never seen living children. And they don’t know that even the most inquisitive and good-natured baby can in the blink of an eye turn into an angry, withdrawn creature who will answer all the adults’ questions by remaining silent or answering with a monosyllabic “I don’t know.” What to do in this case?
The connection between TRIZ and creative approach
To understand what TRIZ technology and the creative approach have in common, let’s identify some similarities in them. So, both methods are based on the following methods for finding a solution:
- Brainstorming is an active discussion of an object by several participants without preliminary evaluation of proposals. Each person should offer as many options as possible for solving the problem, even if they are unrealistic to implement.
- The method of analogies involves comparing and identifying similarities between two objects. Works great when combined with brainstorming.
- Morphological analysis is a search for solutions for individual elements of a problem and their further combination in work.
- The focal object method is a search for associations with random objects and the use of those properties that are not associated with the main subject.
- Robinson's method involves searching for as many different uses as possible for a selected object.
- A system operator involves finding connections that allow the creation of a separate system.
What if the child answers “I don’t know”?
In fact, those who work using the TRIZ method are faced with a variety of situations, including childish stubbornness, reluctance to make contact, and getting involved in games using the TRIZ method. And we have already prepared recommendations for you on what to do in these cases [K. Nesyutina, 2014]. As a rule, such situations happen due to shortcomings on the part of adults. If desired, such situations are completely correctable, and over time, you can ensure that, upon hearing a question, the child begins to think about the answer, and not just remain silent or say “I don’t know.”
What to do to get your child to start thinking and reasoning:
- Never scold children for giving the wrong answer! Very often, “playing the silent game” is a consequence of the fact that the child has already said or done something wrong, received a bunch of comments, and is now simply afraid of making a mistake again.
- Reason with your child and don’t act like an examiner or a know-it-all. Children are acutely aware of falsehood, and if the child is already accustomed to the fact that you always know the correct answer and ask questions only for the purpose of testing, he may not want to be a test subject. Especially if, in case of an incorrect answer, he will also be scolded.
- Ask so-called “open” questions, for which there cannot initially be one single correct answer. This will make it easier for you to reason with your child, and the child will not be afraid to make mistakes. At the same time, he will understand that a different opinion is not necessarily wrong.
- Answer the questions your children ask you. Otherwise, children will quickly learn that they don’t have to answer or answer all “Whys” with “Because it ends in “y.” As a rule, children pick up such excuses from adults.
We wish that your children are healthy and happy, and that you always find a common language with them! We remind you that our program “TRIZ in practice: a creative approach at work and in life” and a screening test on the topic of the article are waiting for you:
We also recommend reading:
- Storytelling
- Secrets of inventors: a selection of useful materials
- TRIZ, RTV and TRTL in practice: dealing with the Soviet intellectual past
- A selection of useful materials about creativity and creativity development
- Good books for self-education
- TRIZ fairy tales in pedagogy
- TRIZ classes for children: raising geniuses and simply happy people!
- Creativity Development Digest
- Charette procedure
- TRIZ and design thinking in everyday life
- Invention: a selection of useful materials
Key words:1TRIZ
Basic concept of the technique
Initially, Heinrich Altshuller developed his theory to solve technical and engineering problems. However, over time, the basic principles migrated to pedagogy, winning more and more new fans every year. The TRIZ system in teaching children is practical help for a child to find the best solution to a given problem or situation. The principle is: “There is a problem - solve it yourself,” but not through trial and error, but through an algorithm of thinking that leads the child to the best solution.
Who lives in the little house?
Goal: to teach the child the elements of analysis, to encourage him to notice common signs by comparing them.
You will need: colorful images of various objects, for example: a pear, a pen, a house, a backpack, a pan, a flower, and so on. You can make these blanks yourself or make them with your children. A large box or closet is ideal for a mansion - the children’s imagination will tell them everything else.
Introduction: recall the fairy tale “Teremok” with the children and offer to act it out as they do in the land of Changelings.
Progress of the game: each child, with his eyes closed, draws out his drawing and plays for the drawn object. The presenter chooses the owner of the tower - the Changeling King, who has called his friends to a feast. The characters take turns approaching the tower. The first person invited asks:
- Knock, knock, who lives in the little house?
- I am ... (calls himself, for example, a flower). And who are you?
- And I am ... (calls himself, for example, a pear). Will you let me into the little house?
“I’ll let you in if you tell me how you’re like me.”
The guest carefully compares the two drawings and names the common points found. For example, he may say that both the flower and the pear have a branch. After this, the first participant enters the mansion, and the next guest is already knocking on the owner’s door. It is important to maintain a friendly atmosphere: if someone cannot answer, then the rest of the children help.
The choice is everyone's
Of course, each parent or teacher will decide for himself how to deal with his children. However, it is always useful to think: how do I want to see my child or the wards entrusted to me? If all aspirations and efforts are directed only at satisfying physical needs and providing a minimum amount of knowledge, then will a thinking and versatile personality grow? In our age of bustle and intense pace, it is sometimes difficult to learn something new, but the result is worth it! In any case, climbing a mountain begins with the first step. And who knows what hidden opportunities and enormous potential can be discovered in oneself using TRIZ? The main thing is not to be afraid to break teaching stereotypes and look for new approaches. Of course, no one can become a perfect teacher, but you can constantly strive for this goal!
