ABSTRACT
It is important to teach about word problems in small guided math groups. Researchers have found that story problems “are notoriously difficult to solve”. Students should get an opportunity to explore solving various problems in various ways. This work should be scaffolded in the guided math group. This chapter explores start unknown problems, part-part whole, compare, two-step, 3-read problems, picture prompts, and open word problems. Start unknown problems can be very tricky. The add to start unknown problems should be scaffolded with counters and in part-part whole mats. The counters provide that physical contact so students can move them around to make sense of the problem. The part-part whole mat is a great abstract visual because students can see the numbers. Number lines and number grids are also great abstract visual scaffolds because students can see the numbers. Two-step problems can get tricky. The first types are easy but they gradually increase in difficulty.
