Solving multi-step word problems can seem like an impossible task to students. Bar models help students organize their thinking by enabling them to “see” the parts of the problem and their relationship to one another. Two-step problem solving will be no problem at all for your students after they work through the math problems in this addition and subtraction December-themed bar modeling unit.

This bar modeling unit offers math problem solving practice at two different levels:

Level 1 = Support (problems labeled with letter “A”) – To get students started and to guide their thinking, bar models are partially completed in step 1, but the problems still require multiple calculations to be made.

Level 2 = Independent (problems labeled with letter “B”) – Students work on their own, filling in the bar model structures to answer the problems.

Based on Singapore Math Principles and designed for Common Core Math instruction, these activities focus on the development of problem solving strategies for part part whole concepts and logical/inferential thinking for students in grades 2, 3 and 4.

The unit includes 10 original 2-step word problems. Learning can be differentiated using the two different levels of problems - support and independent. Pages come in color and black and white format (for both levels), giving multiple ways to utilize this resource. Print the color pages and laminate for use in math centers or print black and white sheets to use as homework. An answer key is provided.

This math problem solving unit aims to strengthen students' comprehension of mathematical operations of part part whole models by using purposeful vocabulary intended to direct student thinking and engender discussion as opposed to the "cookie cutter" type problems that rely on overused clue words to drive mathematical thinking. Authentic assessments are moving away from the type of questions where students can simply identify words they have been taught to be associated with certain operations. This unit will help your students think through the problems and see the reasoning behind the math by visualizing patterns within the models.

Be sure to check out all my other Grades 2, 3 and 4 Bar Model resources in my store covering ADDITION/SUBTRACTION, MULTIPLICATION/DIVISION and FRACTION concepts. They help prepare students for visualizing the concepts so they will be able to apply them independently.

If you are interested in 2-step bar modeling for math problem solving, check out my other seasonal/holiday 2-step bar model units.