Grades 3-4 -Multiplication, Fractions, Decimals, Word Problems and More

Memorizing the Multiplication Table and Word problems can be challenging for most students.  Word problems require students to read a language-based problem, identify necessary information to answer a prompt, and perform calculation(s) to develop a problem solution. Solving multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and word problems proves particularly challenging for students because skill in reading, interpretation of language, and mathematics are required for word-problem proficiency. This class will provide a word-problem intervention to increase students’ understanding of three word-problem language features: naming a superordinate category, identifying irrelevant information, and providing a word-problem label.  Students who take this class  will demonstrate improvement on identifying irrelevant information and providing word-problem solutions.  The importance of explicit teaching of language comprehension features within word-problems has been proven.  The goal of this class is to improve student ability to memorize multiplication times tables, understand the relationship between multiplication and division, answer fractions problems with common and uncommon denominators, decimals, and solve word problems by understanding key words to convert the word problems into mathematical phrases to solve. This class will give students practice with word problems and worksheets.

This curriculum for elementary students will provide practice with solving multiplication, division, fraction, decimal and word problems, which requires a gradual progression of skills, ensuring students build a strong foundation in understanding and solving various types of problems. The is the curriculum for this class is as follows:

Week 1 -
•	Understand 6 steps to memorize the multiplication times tables and addition, subtraction and multiplication word problems
•	Keywords to help student identify  addition (e.g., total, in all, all together, increased by, combined, both) and for subtraction (e.g., left, fewer, diminished by, smaller, difference, less than) and multiplication word problems. 
•	Understand and solve simple word problems using visual aids like pictures and objects and converting word problems into mathematical equations to more easily solve.

Week 2 -
•	Use objects  and pictures to represent word problems. 
•	Practice multi-step word problems for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
•	Keywords to help student identify  multiplication (e.g., total, times, doubled, product) and division (e.g., divided by, quotient, split evenly, shared, into groups) problems. 
•	Read and practice mathematical problems and word problems.   

Week 3 -
•	Practice multiplication & division word problems and problem-solving skills.
•	Fractions addition, subtraction and multiplication and word problems. 
•	Solve one and two-step multiplication and fraction problems.

Week 4 -
•	Converting fractions to decimals and percentages
•	Solve word problems with larger numbers and two steps and use drawings and diagrams to visualize problems.
•	Continue practice with multiplication, division, fraction and decimal multi-step word problems and fraction problems. 

Week 5 - 
•	Introduction to basic measurements and practice all types of word problems, including measurements.  
•      Final class review and word-problem key word assessment.