Description
I have to solve these Math Word problems, HELP!
Just the mention of Math Word Problems and you can send kids running from the room in terror. Instead, what if you told them you had some detective work for them? I bet that would hook their interest at a much different level! This approach to math word problems helps change your young learners into math wizards!
I find word choice is extremely important when working with humans of every age, but especially children!
That’s why I developed MATH MYSTERIES.
This set of 6 worksheets begins with Addition and Subtraction Word Problems and guides students to look for CLUES (information they DON’T need) to solve the problem, so they can focus on the information they DO need! It’s also important for the students to understand which math operation they are solving, just like little surgeons! They dig through the information and find the clues that tell them if it’s addition or subtraction. Once the “Red Level” is finished, move onto the Orange Level and complete the process with Multiplication and Division operations. (notice I did not call these PROBLEMS – that term is so overwhelming! Who wants a bunch of problems to solve – yuck!)
Finally, move your students onto the third and final level where they demonstrate mastery of their skills when the operations switch between the 4 main : Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. In the last “Green Level” The word problems do not contain any extra information, as I felt switching between operations was enough of a challenge)
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET:
6 Worksheets, 5 word problems on each sheet, divided into 3 skill levels: Red, Orange and Green
These worksheets cover: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division word problems at a 2- 4th grade level with “extra information” designed to distract the learner and make them use critical thinking skills.
There is also an 8.5 x 11 printable handout for students containing “clues” that indicate when a word problem may be using each operation.
Complete answer key with suggested solutions to the “mystery” (What the extra information is, and what operation is being used)
This set of Math Mysteries helps students adapt their mindset toward math word problems and math in general thinking of it as a fun activity vs a problem(negative connotation). They get to perform operations and solve mysteries like detectives!
Looking for more word problem fun? Try this WORD PROBLEM PRACTICE – It’s a self-checking Mystery Picture puzzle kids LOVE!
Learn more about how language choices like “math problems” can make an impact in our classrooms on the Homeschool Holiday Blog: THE WRINKLED HEART ACTIVITY AND OTHER IMPORTANT LANGUAGE CHOICES.
You might also like to know MY MATH ORIGIN STORY
CHECK OUT RELATED YOUTUBE VIDEO: The Language We Use
