When students {at last} learn how to multiply & divide, they officially know all 4 basic operations for math! For solving word problems, this means our students have to reason between these 4 operations. Sometimes, I am not as concerned with my students being able to ‘get the correct answer’ as I am with their ability to choose the correct operation. This is actually the most important step, right!?

This is the reasoning behind my sort! Students are given 20 word problem task cards & must sort them between the following categories: add, subtract, multiply, divide, and not sure. What makes this sort even better as a formative assessment is the ‘not sure’ category card that is included! This allows me to assess common misconceptions. (I was actually observed doing a sort one day that had a ‘not sure’ category & got great feedback. It is something I try to incorporate more now!)

After discussing the correct categories, you can allow the students to solve the actual word problems using the answer document provided if you wish. This resource can also be used as a scoot. Great for test prep!

I have also included pictures so you are provided with a good visual of how I use this in my classroom.

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Feel free to email me with any concerns! brooklynmccarley@gmail.com