Let's solve some math word problems! We focus on a variety of problems, tailored to students' interests, set at a 5th grade level.

Each class features a new set of word problems, which we will solve together as a class. When possible, I encourage the students to guide me through the steps as I write out the solutions on a virtual whiteboard, offering guidance when students are stuck, and offering alternative solutions. Mastering mathematics requires a mix of precision and creativity. We use a 4-step word problem solving approach, carefully writing out our steps, in order to make sure that we correctly solve problems while avoiding error. However, the heart of problem solving is open-ended thinking, and though the 4-step approach works for any problem, problems can be solved by various approaches. To this end, I encourage students to offer different approaches, and demonstrate different approaches myself, so that students can have a deeper understanding of the skill of problem solving.

When learners enroll, I encourage them/their parents to let me know their interests, so that I can prepare word problems tailored to those interests.

Each class, we will open with a word problem according to the following schedule. However, EACH CLASS MAY INCLUDE A VARIETY OF THIRD GRADE TOPICS IN THE OTHER PROBLEMS.
Aug 21: adding and subtracting decimals
Aug 28: adding and subtracting fractions
Sep 4: multiplying large numbers
Sep 11: dividing large numbers (long division)
Sep 18: volume of 3D shapes