The Wisdom of Word Problems

Gwendalyn Iversen, Second Grade, Winding Springs Elementary

Curriculum Unit (pdf)

Synopsis:

This unit is designed for students to interpret word problems for understanding. In this unit, students will explore mathematical vocabulary to better understand single step and multi-step word problems. Students will use close reading strategies to interpret word problems and schematic drawings to help them choose the operation (operations) that best suit the word problem.  Students will create their own word problems to show mastery of using mathematical vocabulary. Students will be encouraged to use academic conversations within the classroom to work through word problem solutions.