What a Problem!

Ask the learner to write a math story or word problem and have someone else draw it out and solve it!

PURPOSE

This activity ensures that learners understand the real world applications of mathematics and encourages them to use math to solve these problems

• Step 1

  Ask the learner to think about a very short story for their word problem. Think of questions such as:

  - Who is the character in the story?

  - Where is the story happening?

  - What is his or her problem?

  - What question are you looking to answer?

• Step 2

  Once the learner has the story, think about the math involved:

  - How many steps will be needed to solve the problem?

  - Which operation/s will be needed? (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)

  - How large will the numbers be?

• Step 3

  Finally, tell the learner to write the problem and ask someone else to solve it by drawing a picture and writing a number sentence to go with it!

• Example of a word problem

  Emily made 10 cookies at home for her family and herself. Her brother ate 4 cookies, how many are left for the rest of the family?