This template for solving open ended math problems is very useful for helping students explain their thought process. I use a sample word problem, the template, and an overhead projector to model how to write out the answer to the problem. I explain that it is helpful to use "math" words, and when we are finished our explanation, we go back together and find how many we were able to fit in correctly. Eventually, students are able to use the template on their own, and I have seen it transfer well to testing situations.