Do your students struggle with word problems?
The students that I work with as an instructional coach have so much difficulty deciphering if a word problem calls for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or a combination of these.
To help them practice I created a math station where instead of solving word problems, they need to decide which operation is needed.
This super fun operation sort includes 41 word problems. Students take turns pulling a strip and as a group they decide which operation is needed to solve. Then, they sort it accordingly.
As an added bonus, you can have them solve all or a few of the problems after they are sorted.
Why use sorting this sorting activity?
- It makes students stop and think – When kids are given a word problem, they right away start thinking about the final answer. This makes them forget about solving and really think about what is needed here.
- You can get through a lot of word problems in a short period of time – Because they are not solving, they are able to complete many of these during a math center or whole group activity.
- It allows for collaboration and math discourse – Students get to discuss why they think a problem calls for addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
- It’s fun!
Fun can wrappers are included. These work great with your standard size food can.
A recording sheet has been included as well!
Purchase this activity here!
This super fun product can be found here.
