Have your child:

S Start by reading the problem. Then have her tell you what the problem is about.

I Identify all the numbers in the problem. Have her look for numbers written as words. Don’t let her forget “hidden” numbers like “half” or “a dozen.”

R Read the problem again. Ask her to draw a picture or a diagram of what’s happening.

R Read the problem another time. Ask her what she needs to find. For example, “How many apples did the farmer sell?”

I Inquire. Teach her to ask, “What should I do to solve the problem?” Have her look for words or phrases that tell which math skill to use.

Here are some examples:

• “Total” or “in all” will mean addition or multiplication.

• “How much is left” or “how many more” will mean subtraction.

• “How many . . . each” will mean division.

G Give the problem a different look. Sometimes substituting smaller numbers can make it easier to solve the problem.

H Ham it up. Sometimes acting out a problem can help.

T Take a pencil and solve the problem. Check work. Make sure the answer makes sense.

Copyright © Parent Institute