Simple and Effective Strategies for Solving Math Word Problems
This resource teaches students to use a 4-step process and 7 simple graphic organizers to solve any word problem. Students find the key words in the problem and determine the operation, draw or use a graphic organizer to show the activity described in the word problem, translate that activity into a number sentence, and describe the solution in writing. A 16 3/4" x 21 9/16" pull-out chart helps students recall the problem-solving steps and organizers when working independently on any word problem.
"Oh! I see the answer!" Graphic organizers, like pictures, are a universal language. They can be used and understood by students of all cultures, backgrounds, and math fluency levels.
Math Graphic Organizers 3-5 teaches students to apply the following 4-step process to solve any kind of primary math word problem:
- Step 1. Find the keywords in the problem
- Step 2. Draw or use a graphic organizer to show the activity described in the word problem.
- Step 3.Translate that activity into a number sentence.
- Step 4. Describe the solution in writing.
With a few simple lessons, you can help your students find the missing link between decoding the words of a problem and calculating the numbers to find the solution. That missing link is understanding what the problem is really asking. With graphic organizers, students can easily visualize problems for true math comprehension.
