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Freckle by Renaissance - Differentiation Platform for K-12

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Freckle empowers teachers to differentiate instruction across Math, ELA, Social Studies and Science.

"Freckle provides our teachers with the data they need to know how their students are doing and how to easily track their growth."

Kathi Teeter, Principal of Lincoln Elementary School

Get started today

Freckle helps you deliver the perfect lesson to all of your students.

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Freckle Education | Reach Every Student at Their Level

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Freckle empowers teachers to differentiate instruction across Math, ELA, Social Studies and Science. "Freckle provides our teachers with the data they need to know how their students are doing and how to easily track their growth." Kathi Teeter, Principal of Lincoln Elementary School Get started today Freckle helps you deliver the perfect lesson to all of your students.

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Bear Counters | Free Virtual Manipulatives | Toy Theater

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Use these virtual bear counters for a wide range of math lessons ideal for whole-class, small group, and individual activities. They’ll never get lost!

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Model equations, keep track of two teams' points or make a graph with this interactive counter tool. Featuring two color counters and graph paper, you can also write numbers or words onto the workspace.

To use the interactive counter tool, click and drag as many counters as you'd like onto the workspace. Use the pencil tool to write numbers or an equation. Click the eraser to erase. Or, use the trash can symbol to clear the board.

Wondering how to use the interactive counter tool? Here are some ideas:

Model addition equations using red counters for one of the addends and yellow counters for the other addend.

Model multiplication with counters by creating groups of counters. Circle each group using the pencil tool.

Show points for two different teams while playing a game. Use red counters for one team and yellow counters for the other team. Write in team names using the pencil tool.

Use the counters to graph two different opinions, voting choices, or categories. Label each item with the pencil tool.

Visit classplayground.com to find Counting Printables.

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Two Color Counters | Teaching Tools | Toy Theater Educational Games

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This interactive counter tool is great for modeling equations, keeping track of points when playing a game, or graphing. It features red and yellow counters.

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Used since ancient times, the abacus is making a comeback in education. This online abacus tool allows students to model all sorts of operations. In the early grades, students can simply use the abacus to represent quantities and numbers, building number sense. As they grow in their abilities, students can use the virtual abacus to represent addition, multiplication, or subtraction problems.

To use the online abacus, simply drag the beads across the rods from left to right or right to left. Students can represent larger numbers by assigning each rod a place value. For example, the dark purple beads represent the one's place, lavender the 10s place, the blue represents the hundreds place, sky blue represents the thousands place, etc. Students can represent numbers using the different place values and then perform operations. Alternatively, simply have students represent each addend with a different color.

Some activities you might try with the abacus include:

Represent multiplication problems as repeated addition. For example, 3 x 3 would be shown as 3 groups of 3 beads on the abacus, each group shown with a different color of beads.

Represent addition problems on the abacus

Represent large numbers on the abacus, using the place values mentioned above. For example, you might say 5,342, and students would have to show 5 sky blue beads, 3 blue beads, 4 lavender beads, and 2 dark purple beads.

Visit classplayground.com for more resources and printables related to addition and multiplication.

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Abacus | Free Virtual Manipulatives | Toy Theater

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This online abacus tool provides a fun, practical way for students to model math operations and build number sense. Try it today!

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Rekenrek Ten Rows | Free Virtual Manipulatives | Toy Theater

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Online Rekenrek to increase number sense. Toy Theater is trusted by teachers around the world. Free to use, priceless for teaching!

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Are you ready to count beyond one hundred? This online 120 chart makes counting to one hundred and beyond fun!

How does it work? You can color different squares of the 120 chart. Just click on a color and then tap the squares. Show a pattern or count by multiples of 5s or 10s. Or, just practice counting by 1s and keep track by coloring the squares as you go. You can also black out some or all of the numbers with the color black. Then, you can ask students which numbers are missing. Show the numbers again with the color white or another color of your choice. Clear the board by pressing the "clear" button. Make the 120 chart blank by pressing the "hide" button. Show the numbers from bottom to top by pressing "Up".

Once students are comfortable counting to one hundred, it's time to show them how the pattern continues. A 120 chart shows that perfectly! With a 120 chart, students can also practice addition, subtraction, and multiplication operations. There are many creative ways to use the online 120 chart on its own or alongside a printable 120 chart. Here are a few ideas:

Ask children to fill in missing numbers that you've blacked out.

Ask children to mark a given number on the 120 chart. Then, have them add 10 or subtract 10. What patterns can they notice?

Ask students to skip count by 3s, 5s, or 10s from 1 to 120.

The 120 chart is great for whole-class lessons, group work, centers, or individual learning. You can even ask students to use it for homework assignments!

Visit classplayground.com for more hundred chart activities and printables.

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120 Chart | Free Virtual Manipulatives | Toy Theater

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Use this interactive 120 chart to practice counting to one hundred and beyond. It's also great for modeling math problems, skip counting, and more!

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Base Ten Blocks | Teaching Tools | Toy Theater Educational Games

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Use these blocks of one and ten to model place value and help kids visualize the concept of 10.

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Base Ten Blocks (also known as "Base 10 Blocks" and "Place Value Blocks") is an online mathematical manipulative that helps students learn addition, subtraction, number sense, place value and counting. It lets them investigate how to regroup and solve problems with whole numbers and eventually fractions and decimals.

Overall, Base Ten Blocks provides a visual foundation for the abstract algorithms we want students to use as they grow.

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Base Ten Blocks | Manipulatives | Coolmath4Kids

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Base Ten Blocks virtual manipulative - a free online tool for classrooms and homes

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Use these place value card manipulatives to explore and build an understanding of place value.

Build numbers by starting with the largest place value and dragging it onto the graph paper. Overlap the cards to build the number. Then, the cards can be separated again to see what each number represents in base-ten notation. Press the left and right arrows to change the value of the cards before dragging them onto the graph paper. Click and drag on the numbers and operation symbols under the graph paper to write out numbers or addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division problems. Remove cards or numbers from the paper by dragging them off.

Students can use the interactive place value mat to deepen their understanding of place value and perform addition or subtraction problems. One way students can test their understanding of place value is by modeling numbers on the mat. They can check their work by comparing the standard form to the written number they had intended to model.

Here are a few possible ways to use the place value card tool:

Ask students to model a dictated number using the cards.

Ask students to model written numbers using the cards.

Write out a math operation using the numbers and ask students to model and solve it using the cards.

Visit classplayground.com for more information and printables about place value.

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Place Value Cards | Virtual Manipulatives | Toy Theater

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These place value card manipulatives are great for building a deeper understanding of place value. Use them to model numbers and perform operations.

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Are you trying to get your 3rd graders to learn their multiplication tables?

Or perhaps you are pushing your 1st graders to achieve fluency in addition and subtraction. When it comes to building math skills, knowing basic facts can make a big difference.

Once students know basic math facts, they can focus on analysis, critical thinking, and attempting more challenging work such as word problems.

Our online math flashcards offer the perfect practice for students of a wide range of levels. All you have to do to practice basic math facts is select the operation on the left hand side. Then, the student must choose the correct answer for each flashcard. Their score is kept at the top of the screen, helping motivate students to try to get as many answers correct as possible. Students can cycle through the operations as desired and still keep their scores. Refresh the browser to restart the score.

Play the flashcard game as a whole class by having students vote on answers or use it for independent work. Any way you use the online math flashcards, your students are sure to love it!

Visit classplayground.com for more resources and printables related to addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

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Math Flashcards | Educational Games for Kids | Toy Theater

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Make learning math facts fun with these free online math flashcards. The flashcard game keeps score while you play. How many will you get right?

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Students often struggle with the concept of fractions. This interactive fraction strips tool helps students visualize fractions. With these online fraction strips, students can model fractions, solve fraction problems, explore equivalent fractions, and observe the differences between denominators.

To use the interactive fraction strips tool, click and drag the strips onto the canvas. You can drag as many of each fraction as you'd like. To remove the strips, drag them off the canvas. Change the chart to accommodate two whole units by pressing the "Unit Double" button. Add annotations using the pencil tool and erase using the eraser. To clear the canvas, press the trash can button.

A few activities you can do with students while using the online fraction strip tool include:

Have students model a given fraction, mixed or not. For example 1 1/4 or 3/6.

Ask students to model addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division problems using the fraction strips.

Ask students to find equivalent fractions for a certain fraction. For example, how many sixths are equivalent to 1/3?

Ask students to use the pencil tool to divide one of the wholes on the chart into fourths. Then, students can check their work by dragging fourths onto the chart afterward.

Looking for more fraction manipulatives? Try our interactive fraction circles.

Visit classplayground.com for more resources and printables about fraction strips.

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Fraction Strips | Free Virtual Manipulatives | Toy Theater

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Use the interactive fraction strips tool to help students visualize, model, and explore fractions. Students can also solve problems using fraction strips.

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Using fraction circles to teach fractions is as easy as pie! Using the idea of pie is actually a great way to familiarize students with the idea of fractions. With fraction circles, children can imagine dividing a pie into equal pieces and show that visually.

To use the fraction circles, simply click and drag the colored pieces onto the circles. You can remove pieces by simply clicking them and dragging them out of the circles. By using different colors for each fraction, we made it easy for students to compare them.

Use these interactive fraction circles with your students to explore equivalent fractions, common denominators, and mixed numbers. You can show students a mixed, simple, or improper fraction and then ask students to model it using the fraction circles. Students can also model operations with fractions using fraction circles.

Looking for more fraction resources? Check out our fraction bars and fraction strips

Visit classplayground.com for more resources and printables related to fraction circles.

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Fraction Circles | Free Virtual Manipulatives | Toy Theater

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These interactive manipulative online fraction circles make teaching fractions as easy as pie! Model from 1/12th to 1 whole.

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Interactive Clock | Telling Time | Analog & Digital | Toy Theater

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Use the online teaching clock for a fun digital experience with your students. Students can learn to tell time with both analog and digital clocks!

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Classroom Timer | Free Countdown Timer | Toy Theater

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An online classroom timer is ideal for helping students track time as they work, read, or clean up. Use this free online timer to motivate your class!

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Are you teaching your students about money? Usually, second graders are introduced to the idea of bills, coins, and their values. Yet, most elementary students are interested in money. So, bringing virtual play money to the classroom can be a great way to build motivation and excitement around math lessons focused on other operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Plus, it's practical! Awareness about money is an essential life skill that will serve students their whole lives.

To use our virtual American play money, simply click and drag the bills, coins, and symbols onto the grid. Add numbers to show totals and equations. To remove items, simply drag and release them off the grid.

Use the virtual play money at a play store station, to practice math operations, word problems, and much more! The best part is that virtual bills and coins can't get lost, wet, or ripped. They're always right here at Toy Theater when you need them!

Visit classplayground.com for more resources and printables related to money.

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Play Money United States " Toy Theater | Learn * Create * Play

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Virtual play money is the perfect tool for teaching about American bills and coins and their values.

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Are you looking for a fun way to explore spatial relationships and geometrical concepts with your students? Try using a geoboard!

Our virtual geoboard gives you all the fun and learning that comes with geoboards without the mess or stress. Because let's be honest, do you really want to unleash rubber bands into your classroom? It's an invitation for disaster (veteran teacher Marilyn Burns can attest to that!).

Using the virtual geoboard is easy. Select the color you want to use by clicking on the color squares on the right hand side. Then select a point on the geoboard and drag to another point to make a line. Swipe right or left on the templates to choose one to copy, or create something new!

With the virtual geoboard, you can explore concepts such as:

Symmetry

Perimeter and Area

Basic shapes and polygons

Learning and reinforcing directional and positional words (up, down, right, left, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, etc.)

Visit classplayground.com for geoboard printables. We have also collected the geoboard pattern printables into a book, available from Amazon.

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Geoboard | Free Virtual Manipulatives | Toy Theater

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Online geoboard providing greater versatility than a traditional geoboard and no rubber bands for students to fling across the room! Use this free virtual geoboard to explore concepts like symmetry, perimeter, and shapes with your students. Then, watch their spatial awareness grow!

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Disclaimer: On this page you can find the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts. The standards are temporarily located on this page while we work to address technical challenges with CoreStandards.org. Thank you for your patience and we will share an update on CoreStandards.org when we have one.
English Language Arts Standards English Language Arts Standards (ADA Compliant) Mathematics Standards Mathematics Standards (ADA Compliant)

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Disclaimer: On this page you can find the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts. The standards are temporarily located on this page while we work to address technical challenges with CoreStandards.org. Thank you for your patience and we will share an update on CoreStandards.org when we have one.

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Oregon Department of Education : Mathematics Standards : Mathematics : State of Oregon

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I witnessed many of my students struggle with math word problems. I felt horrible because I felt like I was failing them. I tried having my students circle the "important numbers" but, then they would simply add or subtract without even thinking about the word problem. I tried teaching with key words, but then I realized sometimes those key words didn't always work the right way.

Finally, a few years in to teaching I attended a two day professional development training on math word problems and my life was forever changed. Well, maybe not my entire life, but my teaching life definitely did! I had no idea there were so many different types of word problems beyond the traditional ones I was use to. Not only did I learn about all the different types of word problems, but also all the different strategies to solve math word problems. It is so important students are exposed to word problems as often as possible. I want to share with you 5 things I do in my classroom every day to

#1 Expose Students to Different Types of Word Problems

Different types of word problems? Woah! This was new to me when I first heard this. I had no idea there were so many different types of math word problems.

There are times during the year, especially at the beginning of the year, where I teach with numberless word problems. I give students word problems with blank spaces. We talk about the problem and identify whether the problem is joining, separating, comparing, or part part whole. We talk about what we know and what we don't know about the problem. What we don't know is the unknown and is what we are trying to solve for.

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5 Tips for Teaching Math Word Problems - Creatively Teaching First

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I witnessed many of my students struggle with math word problems. I felt horrible because I felt like I was failing them. I tried having my students circle the "important numbers" but, then they would simply add or subtract without even thinking about the word problem.

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When these questions show up on homework, math worksheets, pop quizzes, and tests, they give even the most confident students reason to pause and sit up a little straighter.

That's because these problems take math understanding to the next level. They require children to use their reading and comprehension skills while also applying everything they've learned in math class.

Some students approach word problems like they're solving a riddle, others tend to freeze and forget basic math concepts they normally understand.

The Importance of Math Word Problems

They're more than just a different type of question to break up the monotony of multiple choice tests.

Solving math word problems teaches your child:
1. How Math Applies in the Real World
"Why do I need to learn this stuff anyway?"

Maybe you can remember saying this phrase to your parents, or maybe it's the first time you're hearing it from your child, but this familiar question gets asked a lot when students are frustrated with math.

Math often seems disconnected from day-to-day life and, as the problems get harder, students have more trouble figuring out why they need to learn these concepts if they'll never "use" them.

After all, it's not often your child sees you working out complicated math equations in your free time.

Math word problems solve this.

They show students how math concepts apply to real-world situations.

For example, students will come across problems asking them to measure objects for a hypothetical construction project or requiring them to plan enough treats for a party.

These real-world applications show students not only why they'll need the concepts being taught in math class, but also how to solve the real-world problems they encounter using math they already know.

Connecting the dots between math class and everyday life is what will reinforce concepts outside of the classroom. Eventually, these basic math concepts will become second nature.

And it will also help them develop their critical thinking skills .
2. How to Develop Higher Order Thinking and Critical Thinking Skills
But word problems require more than simply looking at a math problem and figuring out the solution based on similar equations your child has solved before.

To conquer a word problem, students must be able to read the problem, pull out the pertinent information, solve the math equation and then think about how the answer makes sense in the context of the problem.

Many students get stuck because they have an idea of why they need to perform certain steps to get an answer, but they lack a true understanding of the concepts necessary for solving them in all forms - like word problems.

Word problems can be confusing because, unlike equations, they contain extra words, numbers, and descriptions that have seemingly no relevance to the question.

If your child has trouble focusing, dissecting all this could definitely confuse them.

Check out this word problem to see what we mean:
Patrick read 21 books last summer. Each book had 2,000 words in it. Patrick bought 5 of those books for $2.50 each. How many words did Patrick read last summer?
The question asks how many words Patrick read. This has nothing to do with how much Patrick paid for the books he read. Understanding that the price can be eliminated by solving the problem here requires critical thinking.

This is what helps students make smarter decisions. Since they'll actually understand difficult concepts better, they'll also be faster, more confident test-takers.
3. How to Apply Different Math Concepts Simultaneously
Math word problems often require using different concepts in one question.

Students will commonly need to use their basic number sense, algebra skills, and geometry expertise to come up with a single answer for a problem. And let's not forget that your child will also need solid reading comprehension skills.

Students practicing word problems will begin to develop an understanding of how to pull apart a problem and separate it into important sections. This will then give them the opportunity to solve each section with the appropriate math concept.

For example:
Samantha wants to throw a birthday party. The pizza place she chooses has tables that seat 12 people each. She wants 9 of her friends to sit at each table. The rest of the table will be for adults. If she invites 72 friends, how many guests can fit altogether?
Students will need to process each part separately and then decide a method for solving it step-by-step.

Here's how many different math concepts children will need to solve this particular one:

1. Subtraction to find out how many adults are sitting at each table

2. Division to learn how many tables all the friends will need

3. Multiplication to find out how many adults will be able to fit at the tables

4. Addition to sum up the total of friends and adults to get their final answer

That's four foundational math concepts rolled into one comprehensive question!
4. How Math Can Be Creative
Most children don't associate the word "creative" with math class.

That's because normal problems like 3+2 don't require much high-level thinking. At some point, your child will intuitively know that adding those two numbers equals 5.

Word problems are different, though, because each one needs to be analyzed and evaluated. For challenging math problems, a student may need to approach the problem in a new way.

He or she will need to think visually and proceed logically in order to find the solution. They'll need to create their own math problem and then solve it, since the equation isn't laid out in front of them.

When our dedicated math tutors watch your child think through problems like this, that is how they discover whether or not a child has true mastery of the math they're learning.
5. How Teachers Evaluate a Student's Understanding
Since there are no set rules for solving them, students lacking confidence in their math abilities may feel unequipped to tackle a word problem on their own.

If a student hasn't totally grasped the lesson of the day, they may not know where or how to get started.

Word problems are an important assessment tool for teachers because they show a complete understanding of the math being taught.

And they also show parents and teachers where kids are struggling to connect.

So how can you give your child the math help they need when you don't have time ?

Thinkster Can Help Your Child Conquer Math Word Problems

Even kids who ace their math tests struggle with word problems from time to time.

So, if your child looks at math word problems more like a waking nightmare than a fun challenge, you may want to check out the signs it's time to hire an online math tutor and help them get back on track.

Check out this demo of how Thinkster works or enroll your student today and start your free 7-day trial now !

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The Top 5 Reasons Kids Need More Math Word Problems

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Does your child groan when they come across math word problems? Though initially intimidating, there are five major benefits to your child becoming a master word problem solver. Today we'll go over why solving math problems is so important (Hint: It may actually make your child smarter).

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contributed by Saga Briggs

The ultimate goal of teaching is understanding.

But sometimes it's easier to talk than to teach, as we all know, especially when we need to cover a lot of material in a short amount of time. We hope students will understand, if not now then before test time, and we keep our fingers crossed that their results will indicate we've done our job.

The problem is, we often rely on these tests to measure understanding and then we move on. There isn't always time to address weaknesses and misunderstandings after the tests have been graded, and the time to help students learn through strategies to ask great questions is gone.

Below are 22 simple assessment strategies and tips to help you become more frequent in your teaching, planning, and curriculum design.

Book TeachThought Professional Development for training on assessment practices that grow teachers
22 Simple Assessment Strategies & Tips You Can Use Every Day 1. An open-ended question that gets them writing/talking
Avoid yes/no questions and phrases like "Does this make sense?" In response to these questions, students usually answer 'yes.' So, of course, it's surprising when several students later admit that they're lost.

To help students grasp ideas in class, ask open-ended questions that require students that get students writing/talking. They can reveal more than you would've thought to ask directly.
2. Ask students to reflect
During the last five minutes of class ask students to reflect on the lesson and write down what they've learned. Then, ask them to consider how they would apply this concept or skill in a practical setting. Exit ticketsmake this easy to administer and review student answers.
3. Use quizzes
Give a short quiz at the end of class to check for comprehension.
4. Ask students to summarize
Have students summarize or paraphrase important concepts and lessons. This can be done orally, visually, or otherwise.
5. Hand signals
Hand signals can be used to rate or indicate students' understanding of content. Students can show anywhere from five fingers to signal maximum understanding to one finger to signal minimal understanding. This strategy requires engagement by all students and allows the teacher to check for understanding within a large group.
6. Response cards
Index cards, signs, whiteboards, magnetic boards, or other items are simultaneously held up by all students in class to indicate their response to a question or problem presented by the teacher. Using response devices, the teacher can easily note the responses of individual students while teaching the whole group.
7. Four corners
A quick and easy snapshot of student understanding, Four Corners provides an opportunity for student movement while permitting the teacher to monitor and assess understanding.

The teacher poses a question or makes a statement. Students then move to the appropriate corner of the classroom to indicate their response to the prompt. For example, the corner choices might include "I strongly agree," "I strongly disagree," "I agree somewhat," and "I'm not sure."
8. Think-pair-share
Students take a few minutes to think about the question or prompt. Next, they pair with a designated partner to compare thoughts before sharing with the whole class.
9. Choral reading
Students mark text to identify a particular concept and chime in, reading the marked text aloud in unison with the teacher. This strategy helps students develop fluency; differentiate between the reading of statements and questions; and practice phrasing, pacing, and reading dialogue.
10. One question quiz
Ask a single focused question with a specific goal that can be answered within a minute or two. You can quickly scan the written responses to assess student understanding.
11. Socratic seminar
Students ask questions of one another about an essential question, topic, or selected text. The questions initiate a conversation that continues with a series of responses and additional questions. Students learn to formulate questions that address issues to facilitate their own discussion and arrive at a new understanding.
12. 3-2-1
Students consider what they have learned by responding to the following prompt at the end of the lesson: 3) things they learned from your lesson; 2) things they want to know more about; and 1) questions they have. The prompt stimulates student reflection on the lesson and helps to process the learning.
13. Ticket out the door
Students write in response to a specific prompt for a short period of time. Teachers collect their responses as a "ticket out the door" to check for students' understanding of a concept taught. This exercise quickly generates multiple ideas that could be turned into longer pieces of writing at a later time.
14. Journal reflections
Students write their reflections on a lesson, such as what they learned, what caused them difficulty, strategies they found helpful, or other lesson-related topics. Students can reflect on and process lessons. By reading student work-especially -types of learning journals that help students think-teachers can identify class and individual misconceptions and successes. (See also
15. Formative pencil-paper assessment
Students respond individually to short, pencil-paper formative assessments of skills and knowledge taught in the lesson. Teachers may elect to have students self-correct. The teacher collects assessment results to monitor individual student progress and to inform future instruction.

Both student and teacher can quickly assess whether the student acquired the intended knowledge and skills. This is a formative assessment, so a grade is not the intended purpose.
16. Misconception check
Present students with common or predictable misconceptions about a concept you're covering. Ask them whether they agree or disagree and to explain why.
17. Analogy prompt
Teaching with analogies can be powerful. Periodically, present students with an analogy prompt: "the concept being covered is like ____ because ____."
18. Practice frequency
Check for understanding at least three times a lesson, minimum.
19. Use variety
Teachers should use enough different individual and whole group techniques to check understanding that they accurately know what all students know. More than likely, this means during a single class the same technique should not be repeated.
20. Make it useful
The true test is whether or not you can adjust your course or continue as planned based on the information received in each check. Do you need to stop and start over? Pull a few students aside for three minutes to re-teach? Or move on?
21. Peer instruction
Perhaps the most accurate way to check for understanding is to have one student try to teach another student what she's learned. If she can do that successfully, it's clear she understood your lesson.
22. "Separate what you do and don't understand"
Whether making a t-chart, drawing a concept map, or using some other means, have the students not simply list what they think they know, but what they don't know as well. This won't be as simple as it sounds-we're usually not aware of what we don't know.

They'll also often know more or less than they can identify themselves, which makes this strategy a bit crude. But that's okay-the goal isn't for them to be precise and complete in their self-evaluation the goal is for you to gain insight as to what they do and don't know.

And seeing what they can even begin to articulate on their own is an excellent starting point here.
This post was written by Saga Briggins and was first published by on opencolleges.edu.au; 20 Simple Assessment Strategies You Can Use Every Day

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22 Simple Assessment Strategies You Can Use Every Day

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contributed by Saga Briggs The ultimate goal of teaching is understanding. But sometimes it's easier to talk than to teach, as we all know, especially when we need to cover a lot of material in a short amount of time.

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| | Filed Under: Fractions, Math, Multiplication & Division, Word Problems

One of the toughest things about teaching fifth grade is definitely the word problems. By fifth grade, a lot of students have become so dependent on using key words that they no longer even read for meaning when they're solving word problems. However, as fifth grade teachers know, key words only take the students so far.

I have read many articles and blog posts that are adamant against teaching key words, but many of them do not offer an alternative. About three years ago, I created a strategy for teaching my students to solve word problems that does not rely on key words, and I want to share it with you today.

I really want my students to understand what the problem is asking them to do. Keeping this in mind, I teach word problems in terms of what the situation of the word problem is versus what key word is in the word problem. Before I taught this strategy, many of my students read word problems in order to find the key words. They did not read to understand what the problem was really telling them or asking them. To combat this, I teach them to think of word problems more as situations. When a student looks at a word problem from a situation standpoint, they are reading for meaning and really understanding what operation is required to solve the problem.

To get students to stop relying on key words and think of situations instead, I do an introductory lesson involving four word problems (shown above). Each of the word problems use the word total. However, the word problems each require a different operation. When discussing the word problems, we always have a big discussion about how each of the word problems uses total but they are not all adding or even multiplying. This really gets the students to understand that key words alone cannot always be relied upon.

During this lesson, I stress the importance of really understanding the situation that the word problem is describing to figure out which operation to use. A link to download the printable of the four word problems I use will be available at the end of this post.

After teaching the lesson involving the four word problems, I move right into discussing different situations and how those situations can be translated through a word problem. As a class, we discuss different situations and determine which operation would be used to solve the word problems that involve that situation. Together, we create an anchor chart of different situations under the operation that would be used to solve the situation. We add to this anchor chart as the year progresses and the students are exposed to more word problems with varying situations (For example: taking part of a part when multiplying fractions).

I use the printable chart above to help me generate a list of situations to discuss with students. Many of the fraction situations I don't introduce until later on in the year once we start fractions.

Speaking of fractions, when we really start digging into multiplication and division of fractions, I always have to revisit the idea of using situations to help solve word problems versus key words. The fifth grade level fraction word problems are really tricky and many of my students revert back to key words because they are overwhelmed. At this point, I typically give students the printable version of the chart for them to refer to on a daily basis as they solve word problems.

Moving away from key words and having students think about operations in terms of situations instead has made a huge difference in the way my students think about and solve word problems. When they are solving a tricky word problem, I always remind them to revisit the situation chart and see which situation matches the word problem. This gets them away from relying solely on key words and builds their confidence with word problems. It also helps them be more successful when solving multi-part word problems. To read more about how I teach multi-part word problems, click here.
You can download the word problems and the printable chart by clicking here on the image below.
Download the FREE Word Problems without Key Words Printables Here!

What do you think of this strategy? Do you think this is something your students would benefit from being introduced to? Let me know in the comments.

P.S. If you are in need of word problems, click here to see the sets I have in my TeachersPayTeachers store.

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Solving Word Problems Without Relying on Key Words - Teaching with Jennifer Findley

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Filed Under: Fractions, Math, Multiplication & Division, Word Problems One of the toughest things about teaching fifth grade is definitely the word problems. By fifth grade, a lot of students have become so dependent on using key words that they no longer even read for meaning when they're solving word problems. However, as fifth grade teachers know, key words only take the students so far.