Solving Word or Story Problems in Elementary SchoolJordan Barry

BackgroundSolving word problems in math class always seemed like a foreign language to me. I never could remember which vocabulary words meant add, subtract, multiply and divide. Every time I did it in class with the teacher, I understood. When I tried solving the word problems on my own, I was frustrated and could not figure them out. In class, I got sick and tired of reading the same word problems over and over. Solving them grew more difficult and repetitive.

Now in schools…Through out this semester in Level 2 of the ELED program, I realized that solving word problems can be very simple. I intern in a first grade math class where they are focusing on a solving story problems. Instead of having the basic word problem that everyone thinks of when they hear or see the phrase “word problem”, the students are solving a story problem.

Story ProblemStory problems relate to the student’s daily lives. The story may have to do with cookies, football or video games. Using things that children can relate to actually help them learn how to solve the math problem.

For Example…Henry went to target and bought 6 packs of bubble gum. When he got home, his brother stole 3 packs of his gum. How many packs of gum does Henry have left?

Students would draw out six packs of gum. Then cross out three packs, concluding that Henry has 3 packs of gum left.

If students struggle with the concept, they can use manipulative such as blocks to represent the packs of gum.

Manipulates The use of manipulates changed my view on math. If students can see the problem right in front of them, it makes them understand it so much easier. Students can use manipulatives on the computer as well. There are many websites and games where students can manipulate objects to solve problems and understand concepts.