Problem Solving Strategies Worksheet

No matter what group I’m teaching, and no matter what topic I’m teaching the following scenario is inevitable: I explain a task with multiple modes of instruction; I model it; we practice a few problems together; students ask questions as needed; there is an anchor chart or reference somewhere in the room, and the second students start working someone raises their hand and tells me, “I don’t know what to do”. I always teach my students that the first five minutes of math workshop they must have “struggle time” before I will help them.

No matter what group I’m teaching, and no matter what topic I’m teaching the following scenario is inevitable: I explain a task with multiple modes of instruction; I model it; we practice a few problems together; students ask questions as needed; there is an anchor chart or reference somewhere in the room, and the second students start working someone raises their hand and tells me, “I don’t know what to do”. I always teach my students that the first five minutes of math workshop they must have “struggle time” before I will help them.I know that initially that sounds harsh, but it’s a great way to foster independence and problem solving.The steps include defining the problem, generating solutions, choosing one solution, implementing the solution, and reviewing the process.

Problem solving is a huge component of my math instruction.

I believe that problem solving should be consistently embedded within quality math tasks, rather than teaching problem solving as an isolated unit.

My tendency is to take over, and I know that’s not helping anyone.

Each page covers one of five problem solving steps with a rationale, tips, and questions.

Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

Help your students learn how to overcome issues independently by integrating problem-solving skills into your lesson plans.

Three stamps are to be torn from a sheet of nine stamps as shown below.

The three stamps must be intact so that each stamp is joined to another stamp along at least one edge. You can use the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice Algebra or other math topics.

As I introduce each strategy, I give students a worksheet based specifically on that particular strategy.

For example, on the day I introduce Word Backward, we will complete one Word Backward worksheet together, and then students will complete one with a partner or independently.