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

128 ◆ Modeling Thinking

Key Points

There are many different tools that students should use to solve word
problems including:

• Math toolkits


• Manipulatives:

bears

Unifix® cubes

Cuisenaire® rods

place value blocks

Rekenrek

tape measure

Templates

• number frames: 5, 10, 20


• 100s grids


• decimal hundredths grids


• 10,000 grid (Van De Walle)


• number lines


• double number lines


• number ladders


• math mats

Drawings/Diagrams

• mathematical sketches


• bar/tape/strip diagrams

Summary

Math toolkits are essential for helping to scaffold students’ mathematical
experiences. They should include concrete manipulatives, templates and
tools. There should be a variety of concrete manipulatives including bears,
Unifix® cubes, Cuisenaire® rods, place value blocks, Rekenreks® and tape
measures. There should also be a variety of templates such as number
frames, various types of number grids, various types of number lines and
ladders and storytelling mats. Students should also use drawings and
diagrams to show their thinking. It is crucial that students are given plenty
of opportunities to explore and use a variety of tools, templates and draw-
ings to model their thinking.