Helpful Strategies for Problem Solving

This week in Math class, we are focusing on problem solving. Problem solving is an important topic that should be used in all subject areas, not only in mathematics. There are many different approaches and strategies which will help students learn to solve problems independently throughout the entire course of their educational careers! This week in class, we will be focusing on the important steps needed to solve a problem, from beginning to end. 

How Can I Help?

Students should be interested in finding out "why?" when being asked to solve a problem. If your child does not understand why they need to solve the problem, or how they came up with an answer, it will be a much more difficult concept to teach. Allowing students to search for solutions, ask questions, and resolve problems on their own will reinforce this skill. Encouraging your child to try new strategies and prompting them with questions will help build their confidence and think independently. There have been several models created to help teach problem solving. I have provided a simple model below that students will be using during class.

My hope is that using this model as a "check list" and reading each step out loud with your child will help slow down their thinking process and visualize a mental image of the problem. 

Watch This!

Click on the video to hear a catchy song that you and your child can sing together! 

Be sure to check out the new worksheets provided on the home page for some extra practice :)