Are your students struggling to figure out which operation to use in word problems? Help your students become math sleuths with Operation Detective! This engaging, detective-themed resource is designed to help students look for specific "clue words" to determine whether they need to add, subtract, multiply, or divide.

This resource features a targeted vocabulary-matching chart, followed by real-world, multi-step word problems. Students will learn to Match It, Annotate, and Solve as they unpack math operations! It is perfect for upper elementary students who need explicit practice building word-problem comprehension and decoding skills.

✨ Why Teachers Love This Resource:

• Builds Vocabulary: The "Match It" section forces students to actively think about operation vocabulary (like altogether, difference, remaining, groups of) before solving.
• Encourages Annotation: Prompts students to annotate text and build strong habits for multi-step problem-solving.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for whole-group explicit instruction, independent practice, remedial small groups, homework, or a fun math center activity.

📦 What's Included

• Operation Detective Practice Worksheet
  • "Match It" Clue Word Section: Students match core keywords (Left, Total, Each, Groups of, Altogether, How many more, Difference, Remaining) to their respective mathematical operations.
  • "Annotate & Solve" Section: 6 realistic word problems covering addition, subtraction, multiplication, and multi-step mixed operations.

• Fun Word Problem Scenarios Featured:
  • Chelsea's sticker collection subtraction problem
  • Becky's reading log addition tracker
  • Cafeteria milk carton subtraction challenge
  • Mikey's marker box multiplication problem
  • Michael's trading card multi-step equation
  • Ronald's chore money multi-step budgeting scenario