Multi-step word problems can be fun and challenging for children to solve. Word problems are problematic for children because they use both side of the brain. They use logical skills (numbers) and verbal language skills (words).
Deciding which operation to use can be a difficult task for children. In multi-step word problems,
there may be more than one operation students need to use in order to solve the problem.
Word problems describe a life
situation. This can make it complicated for children to understand the question the word problem is asking.
Before solving the problem, it is important to remind
students to slow down and clarify the question.
Asking students questions while they are
solving the problem is a helpful way of pointing out the information they will
need in order to solve the word problem correctly.
Examples Of Questions To Ask
Students:
What do you know about this problem?
What do you need to know in order to
solve the word problem?
What is the question asking?
Teacher Tip
Using a highlighter, ask the students to
highlight the important information in the word problem. Next, ask the students to highlight the clues
in the problem and write down the words that provide the clues for solving the problem.
Example:
Mike was reading a book that had
412 pages. On Monday night, he read 123
pages. On Tuesday night, he read 143
pages. How many pages in the book does
Mike have left to read?
What is the question asking? How many pages are left to read.
How many pages are in the book? 412 pages
How many pages did Mike read on Monday? 123 pages
How many pages did Mike read on Tuesday? 143 pages
