Word Problems Made Easy for Ages 8- 11

Word problems (sometimes called story problems) are often the scariest and most confusing types of math problems.

In this class students will practice several strategies to help them not only conquer word problems, but learn to enjoy them!  We will  be solving problems from fourth and fifth grade curriculums.  In order to solve our problems we will be utilizing addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and simple fractions.  

Students will learn to identify the clue words in word problems, and which mathematical operations those clue words translate into.   We will practice strategies such as underlining and circling on the sentences before we start calculating, drawing out the problem in simple diagrams, and friendly number models.  

Students will meet twice a week with optional practice worksheets assigned between classes.  Each class will be structured as follows:
10 minutes to go over the independent work assigned in the previous class.  
10 minutes for the teacher to model strategies in example word problems.
15 minutes for the students to take turns working through practice problems on the teacher's screen.
15 minutes for the students to work independently on an assigned worksheet and ask questions as needed. 
Completing the worksheets can be done outside of class if more time is needed.  This is optional.

Students will have the option of turning in their work via Outschool in order to receive immediate and personalized feedback from the teacher.  Students or their parents will have the option to request additional feedback and assessments at anytime. 

Topics to be covered in each class can be found here:
Class one:  
-We will identify clue words and phrases in math problems that tell us we need to use addition.  ie: sum, altogether, in all...
-We will learn to use underlines and circles right on our worksheets to emphasize important information.
-We will learn to estimate with friendly numbers to help us know if our answer makes sense.
Class two:
-We will identify clue words and phrases in math problems that tell us we need to use subtraction.  ie: take away, fewer, less than...
-We will learn to cross out extra information in problems that may be distracting or confusing us.  
Class three:
-We will identify clue words and phrases in math problems that tell us we need to use multiplication.  ie: groups of, times, product...
-We will learn to use a tape diagram as a way to draw the problem.
Class four:
-We will identify clue words and phrases in math problems that tell us we need to use division.  ie: each, per, divided equally...
-We will continue to use tape diagrams to draw our problems, and we will discuss why the same diagram works for both multiplication and division.