Writing math story problems is a great way to help children build mathematical skills, learn mathematical vocabulary and practice critical thinking. Using key mathematical terms and clear phrasing creates an easy-to-follow format for the solver to use to create a math sentence and ultimately solve the problem.
Instructions
- 1
Create a clear subject in a specific number for the solver to imagine. For example, three rabbits were hopping on a hill. Instantly, children will imagine the subject, three rabbits. Avoid vague references such as "three items were in a container", as they are more difficult to store in your head for problem-solving.
2Use key mathematical vocabulary words to clearly show the direction of the sentence: "One rabbit hopped away" or "Two rabbits joined the group." You may add a different subject as long as it is clearly in the same category. For example, "Two birds joined the rabbits on the hill." Birds are animals also, so you would end the story problem by asking, "How many animals are on the hill?"
3End the math story problem by using a word that clearly signifies an "equals" sign. How many animals are there? What is the total number of animals on the hill? Encourage the solver to write a math sentence to help solve the problem: 3 + 2 = 5.
