---
title: "Trying a new approach"
description: "When a way is not helping, choose another way that fits the task and check what changes."
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/trying-a-new-approach-mt_95zxYqpP7m
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/trying-a-new-approach-mt_95zxYqpP7m.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Trying a new approach

When a way is not helping, choose another way that fits the task and check what changes.

Subject: Learning to Learn · Area: Learning to Learn · Ages 7 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/trying-a-new-approach-mt_95zxYqpP7m

## Ready when they can

- When stuck on a task, change the approach in a relevant way, such as drawing a picture instead of only writing numbers.
- Describe a time they changed strategy mid-task and explain why the new approach worked better
- Accept that their first idea might not work and show willingness to start over with a fresh plan

## Lesson: Trying a new approach

You have practised making a plan. Sometimes a plan does not help you get unstuck. Notice what is happening and consider another way. It is okay to change a first plan. A new way may help, but it does not promise an answer.

Changing an approach means changing how you work. If writing numbers does not help you understand a problem, you could draw the objects instead. Rewriting the same numbers without changing anything is still the same approach.

**Example.** Changing part of how you work changes your strategy. Priya's block tower keeps falling. She makes the bottom wider before adding height. She has changed how she builds. She must test the new tower to see whether it helps.

When you describe a change, say what you tried first, what was difficult, what you changed and what happened. Saying 'I drew a picture' names the new method. Saying how the picture helped explains the result.

An attempt that does not work can still give you information. Look for what happened and use it to choose the next step. The attempt does not make you silly, and you do not have to keep the first plan.

Choose a change that fits the task. In a picture puzzle, comparing the edges and picture can help you find matching pieces. Changing something unrelated, like the colour of the table, does not help you compare the pieces.

Talking through a task with a helper is another approach. Say what you understand and where you are stuck. The helper can ask questions or explain a part. Copying their answer without understanding it does not help you work through that part.

*(drawing: Ben changes from writing numbers to drawing the objects. He checks whether the picture helps him understand.)*

**Recap.** If a plan is not helping, try a change that fits the task. Check what happened and use it to choose your next step.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Feeling of not understanding](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/feeling-of-not-understanding-mt_klyw-tdlhP)
- [Planning a task](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/planning-a-task-mt_QR3vxbN1o4)

## Opens up

- [Multi-Step Problem Solving](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multi-step-problem-solving-mt_RKeheOL9uo)
- [Analysing your own errors](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/analysing-your-own-errors-mt_TDUpy57QVM)