Math Word Problem Strategies

Helping a student be prepared to solve a math word problem is an area that a lot of teachers worry about while they teach. Solving a word problem requires the coordination of a number of math skills. The student needs to be able to analyze the problem, choose the correct strategy to implement, and follow through with the correct procedure. I would like to share some tips that teachers can teach students for solving word problems.

1. Read the problem: The student will read the problem and reread it if they don't understand the problem.
   
2. Paraphrase the problem: They can highlight the key words/phrases.
   
3. Draw the problem: The student will create a drawing of the problem or use a graphic organizer.
4. Create a plan to solve the problem. The student will make a plan outlining the steps to solving the problem.
5. Predict: the student will use estimation to predict the answer.
6. Compute the answer: The student will compute the answer to the problem. They then check the answer against their estimate of the answer for comparison.
   
7. Check the answer: The student checks the steps of the answer. They check to see that they went through the steps in the plan were followed and that the operations were done in the correct orders.

Hopefully this framework will help the student go through a word problem with success!

Learning styles for ADHD students from ADDitude Magazine

I have had several teachers ask for more information on learning styles of students and how that can help students with ADHD. I found the following article at ADDitude Magazine's website. I hope this information is helpful.

ADDitudeMag.com

Helping Visual, Auditory, and Tactile ADHD Learners

Know your child's learning style? Help your ADHD student achieve school success by focusing on study methods that play to his visual, auditory, or tactile ways of learning.

by ADDitude Editors

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Each child has his or her own learning style — a unique way of taking in and processing information. Most kids – especially ADHD students – use all of their five senses for learning, but often favor one sense over the others.

"Visual learners" prefer reading or observing. "Auditory learners" do best with talking and listening. "Tactile/kinesthetic learners" benefit most from a hands-on approach.

Tune into how your attention deficit child learns best to creatively help her succeed in school.

If your child is a visual learner

• Have her type up class notes or homework in typefaces of varying style, color, and size.
  
• Use flash cards, drawings, and diagrams to help him study for a test.
  
• Ask the teacher to provide homework assignments in writing. At home, make a written list of instructions, schedules, and routines.
  
• Introduce Scrabble, crossword puzzles, anagrams, and other word games.
  

Next: If your child is an auditory learner...

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If your child is an auditory learner

-- Have him read notes and study materials into a cassette recorder as if he were a disc jockey or sports announcer. This will hold his interest when he reviews them for a test.

-- Help her recite multiplication tables and other facts to the rhythm of a favorite song.

-- Allow him to study with a partner or a few classmates.

-- Look for the audio versions of books she's reading in class or for pleasure. Your child may be eligible to borrow recorded textbooks from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic for a modest annual membership fee — or to get non-textbook recordings from the National Library Service at no cost.

Next: If your child is a tactile/kinesthetic learner...

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If your child is a tactile/kinesthetic learner

-- Provide blocks, jelly beans, or playing cards to use to compute math problems; give Scrabble pieces or alphabet cereal to spell words.

-- Create hands-on learning experiences — nature hikes, science experiments, and so on.

-- Have her act out scenes from history or literature.

-- Explore various materials and techniques for assignments — a collage, diorama, or clay construction.

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More ADHD School Help

Determining Your Child's Learning Style

Homework Help for ADHD Children

Memory Tips for ADHD Students

More ADHD School Help

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