150 ◆ Schoolwide Efforts
Figure 10.10 Third Grade Example: Level 9
John said he ate ½ of a candy bar. Mike said he ate ¼ of a candy bar. Mike said
he ate more than John. John said that isn’t possible because ½ is greater than ¼.
Who is correct and why?Explain your thinking with numbers, words and a model.Figure 10.11 Fourth Grade Example: Level 10
Clint solved^4 ⁄ 5 +^4 ⁄ 5 = 8 ⁄ 10. Can you find his error, explain it and fix it?
Find it. Explain it. Fix it.Key Points
- There are 10 levels to the Great Word Problem Challenge.
- There are various types of problems including one-, two- and
multistep problems. - There are various models including strip diagrams, drawings and
open number lines. - Students should be reasoning about the thinking of others.
Summary
Students need to be motivated. We have got to find engaging ways to get
them to love word problems. Having them participate in some sort of
activity where they are competing with themselves to learn more can be
highly engaging, extremely effective and exciting. The payoffs are incred-
ible. Try the Great Word Problem Challenge in your school!
Reflection Questions
- Could you see yourself doing this with your students?
- What do you think the benefits are of doing something like this?
- How might your whole school gain from participating in some-
thing like this?