Tell the story back
Before solving, have partners retell the problem in their own words: "There were some apples, then more came." Then ask, "Will the number get bigger or smaller?" Talking it through stops kids from grabbing random numbers.
Why it works: when kids say the precise math words, their understanding gets sharper, a recommendation of the U.S. Department of Education's elementary math guide.
Try it withBasic Word Problems WorksheetWorksheetsOpen it →























