How to Solve Math Word Problems

Here is a list of strategies to teach students how to solve word problems. 

Most students can add and subtract number sentences or equations. We want them to solve word problems. A word problem is a story that describes a scenario and requires students to use mathematical computation to get the answer. 

Word problems are essential to instruction because they ask students to apply math to solve real-life situations. 

Students need many opportunities to solve word problems, and they should solve them daily to strengthen their math skills. 

Here are some strategies to help students solve word problems in kindergarten and first grade. You can also use these strategies for students in upper elementary that struggle with applying addition and subtraction to real-world problems. 

Act it Out

First, let students practice solving word problems by acting them out to see the scenario. Start with classroom objects like pencils, glue, and book. Include students’ names in the word problems, too! 

Teach Them Math Content Vocabulary Words

Students should have a strong foundation in understanding words like decomposing, composing, more, take away, difference, sum, combining, and separating. Knowing these words will aid them in explaining their thinking and help them visualize the problem. 

Avoid Teaching Keywords 

Next, avoid teaching them how to find the keywords in a problem. Instead, ask them to retell the story in their own words and use math manipulatives, like cubes, to act a math story out. Ask them to share what they know and what they need to solve. An excellent math tool to use to do this is a number bond. As students retell the story, fill out the number bond, showing them the parts they know and what they need to solve. Then, write a number sentence. 

Use Multiple Strategies to Solve 

Last, teach students more than one way to solve a math word problem. They can use a ten frame, draw a picture, use a number line or path, or use a number bond. There are so many ways to get the same answer. Another reason to teach multiple strategies is that they allow students to think fluently about math and will empower them to choose the method that works best for them. This is also a great way for them to check their work. 

Practice, Practice, and Practice 

Students need to practice solving word problems daily. This type of exposure will help them become familiar with using different strategies and solving word problems. 

Here are some worksheets you can use to practice these strategies daily. 

You can use them for math warm-ups, homework, assessments, additional practice, or math journal work. 

One of the problems I noticed is that students cannot always read math stories by themselves. So, they rely on the teacher or a peer to read for them. There are picture cues above certain words with these worksheets to help aid in their comprehension. 

Students are way more independent when they use these worksheets. 

These worksheets also cover all the different types of word problems (add to, take from, put together, addends unknown, and ways to make 10). There are also various ways to teach it, such as practice worksheets, task cards, digital versions (Seesaw and PowerPoint/Google Classroom), and math mats for acting them out.