Do you have students who are struggling readers? Students who read below grade level are at risk to not able to understand word problems. What do your students struggle with when they are problem solving in math? Understanding what the problem is asking, knowing vocabulary terms, or reading word problems for comprehension. Problem solving in math does not have to be difficult for students, try one of these strategies to help your students.
How to Teach Struggling Readers Problem Solving in Math
Students who struggle with reading need a different way to approach problem solving in math. Let’s start with the basics. Read the problem aloud to students. Model to students how to read a word problem and what to look for. Talk about the steps you go through for problem solving in math.
Reread the Problem
After reading the word problem the first time, go back. Reread the problem to students and emphasize key words. Rereading a word problem in math is a great strategy not just for reading, but can easily be applied to any word problem.
Circle Key Words
This strategy can help any student visualize main points in the word problem. Problem solving in math starts with key words. What words are important? Those are the key words. Here’s an example of a third grade word problem. All of the key words are circled.
Don’t be afraid to tell students to limit what they circle. Over circling is not helpful. Remind student problem solving in math can be done with looking for a couple key words. Not everything is in the word problem is “important”. Look for important math vocabulary words first.
Underline the question
Students who struggle reading text, but know the basics of sentence formation will be able to find a question mark. Most of word problems end in a question. Have your students find and underline the question. Problem solving in math is all about the unknown. It’s important to know the question. Ask students these question to build understanding.
- What are you supposed to do?
- What do you need to find?
- What is unknown?
Yesterday on Facebook, I talked about these strategies and more. Watch the video to find out more about how to help your struggling readers do problem solving in math.
Teaching problem solving in math is a marathon. Teachers model How to Teach Problem Solving in Math first. Then students have scaffolded practice in class with different types of word problems. Finally your students will become independent problem solvers. Problem solving in math can be done with the five step iPLAN method. Download the How to Teach Problem Solving Guide for grades 3-8. Learn tips, tricks, and strategies to help your struggling readers and more. Access your guide today!
