Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Problem Solving Maps

We are working on different strategies to use when working on word problems. One of the strategies that we are using deals with problem solving maps. The kiddos have to think about what the problem is asking and determine which "map" would work best for the question.


Our problem solving maps are:
Some and Some More (SSM) dealing with addition
Some Went Away/Bigger Smaller Difference (SWA) dealing with subtraction
Equal Groups Put Together (EGPT) dealing with multiplication
Equal Groups Take Apart (EQTA) dealing with division

Here is a visual of the maps that we use:

They are to determine the map to use, draw a box and label it, then fill in the blue spaces with the information given in the problem. They will then calculate the problem to determine the red box or missing information. This is similar to the strip diagram in the previous post.

We began our new unit on multiplication at the end of last week.  It is important that kiddos become fluent in their math facts in order to make processing larger numbers easier.  This is a great way to support learning at home.  Students may choose to practice with flashcards, make their own flashcards, use their multiplication charts, Xtramath.org, or use games online.  If you need additional ideas for practicing multiplication facts, please let me know. I will post the different methods that your kiddos will use to solve double digit multiplication problems soon, so be on the look out!

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