Over the years, I have used several methods in helping students solve math word problems. I haven't really found one that has been memorable or meaningful to my students. Until now, I have found one that has worked for my students and it is fun to use!
There are two common problems students have with word problems: translating the word problem into equation form and deciding which math strategy to use.
Recently, I have taught students to use this 5 step process (50 Fill-in Math word Problems by Bob Krech) where they can help remember from looking at their hand.
1. What do I KNOW?
2. What do I WANT to know?
3. What can I ELIMINATE?
4. Choose a STRATEGY or ACTION and SOLVE.
5. Does my answer MAKE SENSE?
I trace the student's hand and have them either write the steps or stick on labels onto each of their fingers. Remember to have them say each step as they are sticking or writing the steps. Then, I laminate them (or put it into a page protector) and give them a dry eraser marker - you should make two copies: one for home and one for OG tutoring. But make sure you have used this 5 step method several times before sending their laminated hand back home.
I have them use the 5 steps and write the answers or notes down onto their laminated hand. They can either draw pictures or write in note form. Now they are able to organize their information and able to translate the word problem into an equation (Step 4). This helps them learn the importance of showing their work --> teachers may agree that this is another common problem with students. Many students solve it mentally and forget to show their work. When students get the problem incorrect or correct they don't understand why because they can't refer to their work or steps taken to solve the word problem.
Did you see how I turned this 5 step process into multi-sensory math?
I used the VAKT method:
Visual - their own hand (laminated)
Auditory - having them say each step and saying answers aloud
Kinethestic/Tactile - tracing their own hand, writing out information onto the laminated hand, pointing at each finger for each step
If you have a 5 step process already in place, try referring it to something meaningful (i.e. hand) - this helps them build a mneunomic for solving word problems.
Students always have a hand in math!!!
There are two common problems students have with word problems: translating the word problem into equation form and deciding which math strategy to use.
Recently, I have taught students to use this 5 step process (50 Fill-in Math word Problems by Bob Krech) where they can help remember from looking at their hand.
1. What do I KNOW?
2. What do I WANT to know?
3. What can I ELIMINATE?
4. Choose a STRATEGY or ACTION and SOLVE.
5. Does my answer MAKE SENSE?
I trace the student's hand and have them either write the steps or stick on labels onto each of their fingers. Remember to have them say each step as they are sticking or writing the steps. Then, I laminate them (or put it into a page protector) and give them a dry eraser marker - you should make two copies: one for home and one for OG tutoring. But make sure you have used this 5 step method several times before sending their laminated hand back home.
I have them use the 5 steps and write the answers or notes down onto their laminated hand. They can either draw pictures or write in note form. Now they are able to organize their information and able to translate the word problem into an equation (Step 4). This helps them learn the importance of showing their work --> teachers may agree that this is another common problem with students. Many students solve it mentally and forget to show their work. When students get the problem incorrect or correct they don't understand why because they can't refer to their work or steps taken to solve the word problem.
Did you see how I turned this 5 step process into multi-sensory math?
I used the VAKT method:
Visual - their own hand (laminated)
Auditory - having them say each step and saying answers aloud
Kinethestic/Tactile - tracing their own hand, writing out information onto the laminated hand, pointing at each finger for each step
If you have a 5 step process already in place, try referring it to something meaningful (i.e. hand) - this helps them build a mneunomic for solving word problems.
Students always have a hand in math!!!