This mathematical reasoning and critical thinking resource was created as a way of helping 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students become more proficient, adept, and skillful when solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division word problems. This resource contains a simple, step-by-step sequential process which teaches students how to successfully problem solve through the use of key math vocabulary words and phrases.

Why this resource? For primary students (particularly those in grades 1, 2, and 3), mastering the concept of solving math word problems can be quite difficult. Not only do students have to deal with using critical thinking skills in determining what steps to take, but oftentimes they have trouble with a variety of unknown math vocabulary words and phrases.

How It Works: Using a specific, step-by-step process, students read through key math vocabulary words and phrases while solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division word problems.

**This resource has been updated as of February 2021**

What's Included?

*Teacher Resources:

--One (1) “What Good Problem Solving Looks Like” Printable

--One (1) Question Stems Printable Poster

--“6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” Teacher Talk Points Handout (4 pages)

--Guided Lesson Plan: “6 Steps of Math Problem Success” (12 pages)

*Student Resources:

--One (1) “6 Steps for Problem Solving Success” Student Cover (b/w)

--One (1) Math Problem Solver’s Checklist Printable

--One (1) “6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” Printable

--One (1) Question Stems Printable (Blank)

--Two-Page Guided Lesson Word Problem (Student Copy)

--“6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” Writing Practice (2 pages)

--One (1) “6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” Fill-in-the-Blank Printable

*Student Interactive Notebook Pages:

--One (1) “6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” Student Cover

--One (1) Question Stems Printable

--One (1) Math Problem Solver’s Checklist Printable

--One (1) “6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” Printable

--Two-Page Word Problem (Student Copy)

--“6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” Writing Practice (2 pages)

--One (1) “6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” Fill-in-the-Blank Printable

*Anchor Charts:

--Eighteen (18) Mini-Header Charts (b/w)

--Seven (7) Anchor Charts Full-Size With Pictorial Support (b/w)

--Seven (7) Anchor Charts Full-Size With No Pictures (b/w)

--Seven (7) Anchor Charts Full-Size With Infographics (b/w)

*Practice Printables:

--One (1) Word Problem Printable Completion Tracker (b/w)

--Nine (9) Word Problem Practice Printables

*Key Math Words and Phrases Posters:

--Four (4) Key Math Words and Phrases Printables (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division)

--One (1) Key Math Words and Phrases Printable (Blank)

*Answer Keys:

--“6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” Writing Practice

--“6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” Fill-in-the-Blanks Printable

--Nine (9) Word Problem Practice Printables

***PLEASE CHECK OUT PREVIEW TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RESOURCE***

Gentle Suggestions/Tips/Reminders:

*INK SAVER ALERT! But for a few nonessential images and the answer keys, the pages in this resource have been created using black, white, and gray ink. TIP: Copy pages of your choice on bright colored paper to give them a look that “pops!” :)

*Because this resource has been uniquely created for students in grades 1-3, it’s crucial to model these 6 steps for problem solving success during EVERY math lesson.

*REMINDER: This resource includes an interactive notebook option for the following pages: student cover; question stems handout; math problem solver’s checklist; “6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” handout; two-page word problem; “6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” writing practice; and the “6 Steps for Math Problem Solving Success” fill-in-the-blank practice printable.

*There are twenty-one (21) full page (8.5 x 11 portrait-sized) AND eighteen (18) mini-header anchor charts included with this resource. Choose the set of anchor charts that best fits the academic needs and levels of your kiddos.

*Nine (9) word problem printables for students in grades 1, 2, and 3 are included. IMPORTANT: For 1st graders, it is suggested that they complete printables #1A, #1B, and #1C. For 2nd graders, it is suggested that they complete printables #2A, #2B, and $2C and for 3rd graders, it is suggested that printables #3A, #3B, and #3C be completed. These printables may be completed as informal assessments; exit tickets; pre-/post- lesson assessments; or during math centers/rotations/workshop. They may also be used as morning/bell/seat work or as homework assignments.

*For your convenience, answer keys for the “6 Steps for Problem Solving Success” Writing Practice, Fill-in-the-Blank Printables, AND all nine (9) word problem printables are included with this resource.

*REMEMBER: As time goes on, students will come to understand that problem solving is not as scary as it sometimes appears to be!

Happy math problem solving in 6 steps! :)

Evenings With Drake

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Interested in math for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grades? Check out the resources below:

Math Moves Me: Math Growth Mindset Poster and Journal Set

Math the Room! Addition and Subtraction Practice

Math Vocabulary Poems

I love new followers! Click that little green star under my store name and become one--you'll be notified about new product uploads, sales, freebies, and more! :)