Problem-Solving

How are your kiddos when it comes to solving word problems?  To be quite honest...mine stunk...until lately!!  I wrote my Superhero Problem Solving unit specifically to help my firsties with an area they are struggling in tremendously.  I will use this unit closer to the beginning of the year next year, but I am just now using it since I wrote it this year.

I started off with one strategy per day.  We started with the easiest strategies and are progressing along.  The unit covers (and I go over it in this order in my classroom):  Use Manipulatives, Draw a Picture, Act it Out, Circle Key Words, Cross Out Extra Information, Use a Number Line, and Draw a Chart or Diagram.  The other day we discussed circling key words....and that was the day I introduced Super Plus and Minus Man (see my previous post).  The kiddos are continually referring to the anchor charts I posted in the room to see if they have any addition or subtraction key words in their word problems now.

Today we worked on crossing out extra information.  As I teach the strategies, we are continually reviewing my STARS problem-solving steps as well.  The steps are:  Search for information (the kids circle all information given in the problem), Think about the question.  We underline the question or circle key words in the question.  Activate a Strategy.  The kids have a strategy ring with each strategy we have gone over and can continually check it.  I have also posted charts of each strategy on a bulletin board.  The kids are realizing that they can often use 2-3 strategies for one problem.  They are also realizing that activating a strategy means determining whether to add or subtract.  R stands for re-read and recheck.  I'm reminding the kids to make sure they copied down the right numbers, make sure they read and answered the question correctly, etc.  Finally, S stands for See if the answer makes sense.  That's a biggie!!

Each day when we cover a strategy, the kids have a strategy mini book to practice the strategy.  As you can see from Christian's work, he combined strategies...he drew a picture, he crossed out extra information, and he circled key words.  

I'm not just saying this because it's my product, but I can honestly say I'm AMAZED by the kids' problem-solving progress in such a short time.  They are really beginning to think like mathematicians! 

How do you encourage better problem-solving skills in your classroom?