Think aloud through one problem
Solve one problem slowly at the board and narrate every decision: "How many 23s fit in 98? About 4, since 4 times 25 is 100." Then let kids explain the next problem to a partner. Hearing the reasoning is what makes the steps make sense.
Why it works: showing first, practicing together, then letting kids try alone is the "gradual release" model teachers have relied on for decades (Pearson and Gallagher, 1983).
Try it with5.NBT.6 Fifth Grade Common Core LessonCommon Core LessonsOpen it →























