2nd and 3rd Math
Presentation
September 29, 2011
As you come in, answer this question
on a post it:
What do you remember most
struggling with as a child in the area
of math?
Our Focus:
•How can I help my child with problem solving?
•What are the different types of situations that
require problem solving?
•What does show your work mean?
How can I help my child with
problem solving?
Readability
• Your child’s reading level may not be at the same level as the text.
• Even if your child can read the words, remind them to read
carefully, noting the important information.
• It is okay to read the problem to your child
Look for key words that are indicators of the
operation
Give them “real” examples from their experiences
• Relate it to something you know they understand
• Feel free to substitute names or content
What are the different types of
word problems?
As we put up these different
problems, feel free to use the
white boards to show how you
would solve it.
Change Minus: Unknown
Result
Thirteen birds were at the feeder.
Then 8 flew away. How many
birds are at the feeder now?
Change Minus: Unknown
Change
There were 37 prairie dogs working
above ground. Then some dove into
tunnels. Then only 16 were visible. How
many went underground?
Change Minus: Unknown Start
Julie went to the movie theater
with some money. She spent $7.25
on a ticket and now she only has
$5.75 for snacks. How much
money did Julie bring to the
theater?
Change Plus: Unknown Result
Rick read 72 pages over the
weekend and 29 more on
Monday. How many pages did
he read in all?
Change Plus: Unknown Start
Sal did some math problems for
homework after school. Then she
did 13 more after supper. Now
she finished all 50. How many did
she do to start with?
Too Much/Hidden Information
The farmer has to feed the
animals 7 days a week. He feeds
2 dozen pigs, 40 sheep, and 3
horses. How many animals does
the farmer need to feed daily?
Multi-Step Problem Solving
Marvin cut some new line for his fishing
pole. Then he cut the new line into 2 equal
pieces. Next he cut 8 inches off of one
piece of line. That gave him a piece of line
42 inches long. How long was the original
piece of new line?
What does show your work
mean?
•Throughout the Math Expressions series, assigned
work often has show your work as part of the
assignment.
•This step helps your child understand and be able
to explain the problem. (math talk)
•When problems solving the three components
should be part of the solution:
• A proof drawing, a visual model
• An equation
• A label
Points to Remember
•Stay positive and encouraging
•Situations that require problem solving tap into
many skills: reading comprehension, written and
oral language and critical thinking
•The goal is to develop confidence and critical
thinking skills that your child can use
independently.
Thank you for coming!
If you have further questions, please address them
to your child's teacher.
Karen Russell
Heidi Schmidt
Dana Smith