Over the last few days we have tackled some difficult story problems involving layers of information the kids needed in order to be able to solve the problem. We read through each problem several times, physically acted them out, highlighted the important information and then used materials, drawings or number sentences to solve them. Afterwards we came back together as a class to share our different ways of solving the problems and to compare answers.
When solving these types of problems at home it might be helpful for you to read aloud the problem while your child acts out or draws a picture of what is occurring in the problem. By being able to feel or see the problem it helps them be able to understand what is happening and what their next steps are in solving the problem.
When solving these types of problems at home it might be helpful for you to read aloud the problem while your child acts out or draws a picture of what is occurring in the problem. By being able to feel or see the problem it helps them be able to understand what is happening and what their next steps are in solving the problem.