Does solving multi-step word problems seem like an impossible task for your 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 Mixed Operation 2-Step Word Problems bar modeling unit.

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

Level 1 = More 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 = Less Support (problems labeled with letter “B”) – Students work on their own, filling in the bar model structures to answer the problems.

Level 3 = Independent (problems labeled with letter “C”) - Students work on their own, creating their own bar model structures to answer the problems.

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

The unit includes 10 original 2-step word problems. Learning can be differentiated using the three different levels of problems - more support, less support and independent. Pages come in black and white format (for all levels), giving multiple ways to utilize this resource. There is "No Prep", just print the pages and laminate for use in math centers or print the sheets to use as homework. The differentiated support provided by the problems make this resource useful for math instruction with regard to tiered interventions - RTI. An answer key is provided.

This math problem solving packet aims to strengthen students' comprehension of mathematical operations of comparison 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 packet 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 Grade 2 ADDITION/SUBTRACTION, Grade 3 & 4 ADDITION/SUBTRACTION , Grade 3&4 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 more 2-step bar modeling for math problem solving, check out my seasonal/holiday 2-step bar model units. There are bar model units for FALL, WINTER, and SPRING.