Grades 3-5 Math Problem Solving in Action_ Getting Students to Love Word Problems

64 ◆ Structures to Scaffold Success

Drawings/Sketches

Counters

Number Line

Base Ten Model

Open Number Line

012345678910

Open Number Line +20

50 70

Figure 4.9 Models We Can Use to
Solve Problems

Figure 4.10 Models We Can Use to Solve Problems

1. Manipulatives (bears, counters)


2. Drawings/Sketches


3. Tables


4. Diagrams

Model Banks

There is a difference between a strategy and a model. A strategy is a way
of thinking about the numbers and doing the math. A model is a way of
showing how to solve the problem. Models include drawings/sketches,
number lines, tables and tape diagrams. Models can also include using
the 5 or 10 frame, the open number line and 100 grids. A model bank can
be housed on an anchor chart, a student individual resource sheet, or
something written on the word problem itself. Here is an example of what
that could look like (see Figures 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12 and 4.13)