P.S.A. (A Math Problem Solving Strategy)

P.S.A. is a math strategy that I have learned about from one of my dear sweet teacher friends. I have adapted it slightly to find its own little purpose in my second grade classroom. In my classroom, I had noticed that my students were having some difficulty really analyzing and thinking about their,well, thinking. I was trying to figure out the best way to help them understand the thinking process that should go on inside their brain when solving math word problems. I had tried the think aloud, modeling, repetition, exposure to key words, etc. but nothing seemed to stick. When my friend explained what she had implemented into her classroom, I thought I would give the P.S.A. method a little try to see if it would capture my students attention and help them apply multiple math strategies to analyze and solve problems. This strategy really hit home with so many of my students and has given them a confidence to attack math problems, identify the problem, choose the best solution and find an answer. I have had wonderful results and this strategy definitely has the students coming back for more!
P.S.A. is s three step process that really makes problem solving concrete for young students.

P = Identify the Problem
S = Strategize and Solve
A = Answer and Check

This unit includes strategy posters for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as well as place value resources to the millions place. P.S.A. also includes a tutorial for creating student Work It Out Folders along with information about how to implement this strategy into your everyday math curriculum.

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