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

Structures to Scaffold Success ◆ 67

Here is an example of what it might look like in a template (see

Figure 4.14):

Figure 4.14 Template Example

The toy store had 15 boxes of marbles. They had 18 marbles in each

box. How many marbles did they have altogether?

Visualize: Make a picture in your head.

Summarize: Talk it out. What is this story about? What are you

looking for?

Set-up equation: Be sure to put a symbol for the part you are

looking for.

Plan: How will you solve it? (Possible models: math sketch, open array,

area model)

Model your thinking.

Solve with numbers: What strategy could you use? (Possible strategies:

doubling and halving, traditional method, break apart, compensation)

Check the math.

Check the answer: Does it make sense?

Answer: ______________