A Simple Problem-Solving Strategy That Works Every Time

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!

 

Word problems... Yuck! They can be such a struggle. 

 

Today, we are going to be chatting about math word problems and I am going to give you a fantastic strategy to use with your students.  This strategy will become a routine in your classroom that I think will help your students resolve more problems with any operation. 

 

I used this routine in my classroom and it made a huge difference and that’s exactly why I want to share it with you too! 

 

Episode 93 Takeaways: 

 

+ Don’t use keywords as a strategy when solving word problems.

+ Teach your students to use all four steps every time they encounter a math word problem.

+ Have them read the entire problem without a writing utensil in their hand. 

+ Tell your students to re-read as they draw a model. 

+ Don’t let them start writing an equation until they have drawn a model that makes sense.

+ Answers should be written in a complete sentence. 

+ Writing math answers in complete sentences is wonderful grammar and writing practice.

 

I hope that you and your students have fun practicing this word problem procedure in your classroom and that it's a huge help to you. 

 

Be sure to grab the FREE posters to go along with it by clicking HERE.

 

I’d love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram @notsowimpyteacher to share those with me! 

 

Resources Mentioned: 

Math Word Problem Poster Freebie

 

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!