vocabulary words for problem solving

Over 6,200 homeschool resources and growing!

Teaching Math Word Problem Key Words (Free Cheat Sheet)

Published: November 20, 2023

Contributor: Jeannette Tuionetoa

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Tackling word problems in math can be challenging for kids to learn. We called them story problems when I was in school. If your kids are learning math key words so they can solve word problems, they you’ll find these free cheat sheets and worksheets for word problem key words helpful. 

Math Word Problem Key Words

There is no doubt that mathematical operations using words are difficult for kids. They go from counting numbers to doing math equations with numbers.

Then all of a sudden… there are words, just words . All of a sudden algebraic expressions and mathematical operations are POOF – words.

The lack of numbers and shift in mindset can completely throw off a lot of students. If kids have difficulty with reading, then that is yet another struggle for kids as they try to learn basic problems in math.

Teaching students about challenging math keywords just got easier!

We have a FREE download of the Math Word Problems Keywords Cheat Sheet available for you at the bottom of this post. Keep scrolling to get your copy today!

Why do some kids struggle with word problems?

A key proponent in different operations in math is learning the key words that prompt kids to understand which operation skill they need to use to solve the problem.

This means that they should master regular math problems first and be able to read with comprehension. You will shortly find that if these two skills aren’t somewhat mastered first, then word problems will become an issue.

Many times math is a subject best taught in sequential order. If one step is missed, then the future steps falter. This is much like how it is when teaching word problems.

The best thing for your children is for them to first:

• Be able to read well.
• Understand math concepts and phrases.
• Know to not rush, but focus on math key words, identify relevant information, and understand the text.
• Get to know the keywords for math word problems

What are keywords for math word problems?

Key words in mathematical word operations are the words or phrases that will signal or show a student which type of math operation to choose in order to solve the math word problem.

The keywords for math word problems used in operations are a strategy that helps the math problem make sense and draw connections to how it can be answered.

Basically, when using key words, students must decipher whether they need to solve the math equation via addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

What are the common keywords for math word problems?

Thankfully, there are math key words that our children can learn that help them work through their word problems. They are prompts that point them in the right direction.

Just like a different language needs words translated for comprehension, students translate the words… into math .

Keywords for Math Word Problems

Learning these math keywords will help with problem solving:

Addition Math Key Words:

• increased by
• larger than
• in addition to
• how much in all

Subtraction Math Key Words:

• how many more
• how many less
• shorter than
• smaller than

Key Words for Multiplication Word Problems:

• multiplied by
• double/twice

Key Words used for Division Word Problems:

• equal group
• how many in each

You can print off a free math key words cheat sheet that has the above math key words for word problems and add it to your homeschool binder . Find the download link at the bottom of this post. 

How can we help kids learn keywords for solving numberless word problems?

Teach kids steps for solving word problems until it becomes a habit or they get comfortable with the steps. First, they can look for the important information and write those down. (Read the problem carefully). Next, kids need to define or find the variables in the math equation.

From the keywords, kids can now determine what math operation to use. Translate the words to math. Then, kids can solve the math equation. This is where the skills of solving numbered equations are important.

Finally, students have to put their answers in the form of a word sentence. NOTE: Many times kids think after solving the equation they are done. However, the key to making sure they understand that word problems need word answers.

Different Strategies to Familiarize Keywords in Word Operations

You can use some of these keywords for math word problems as vocabulary words in your homeschool.

Students can display subtraction, addition, multiplication, and multiplication handy reference posters on a bulletin board in your homeschool area. Students can also just list them on dry erase boards . These are perfect visual reminders for what keywords go with what math word problems.

Your students can also keep their keywords for math word problems with them as they study. They can place the list of keywords in a math folder or in an anchor chart – and then in their math folder.

Kids can keep the keyword poster sets in their math notebooks or keep them in a word problem journal .

Their strategy for learning word problem keywords all depends on how they best absorb information.

Students may do well using a combination of these methods. Either way, all of these different strategies can be used to get them comfortable in identifying the route to solve math word equations.

Math Word Problem Keywords Cheat Sheets & Teaching Aids:

We created a free pdf download Word Problem Key Words Cheat Sheet that you can find at the bottom of this post. It’s great to use as a reference for math word problems.

Word Problem Clue Words

Get a Clue Free Download – Check out these word problem clue word handouts and posters to help your students with word problems. There 5 pages in all that will be handy for your kids in trying to find the correct answer while using the correct operation.

Addition and Subtraction Word Problem Keywords

Subtraction Keywords/Addition Keywords – Until your kids memorize keywords and what they mean, this freebie can help. Grab these simple black and white printable signs. They will help kids look for keywords like larger numbers for subtraction word problems or addition keywords like in addition to . 

Story Problem Key Words

Words to Math – Keywords in math problems are essentially turning words into math. This graphic organizer printable is a quick reference for your students to use with numberless math word problems. Place them in a notebook chart or your homeschool classroom wall as a visual reminder.

Word Problem Key Words Poster

Key Word Posters for Math Problems – Grab these word problem keyword handy reference posters for subtraction, addition, division, and multiplication. Each poster has its specific theme and specific words to solve all problem types. Kids will enjoy having practiced with these math key words posters.

Word Problem Key Words Worksheets

Fun Key Word Sorting Activity – Your kids have now studied some keywords for math word problems helpful for problem solving in mathematical operations. Use this word problem sorting activity to test their knowledge in a fun engaging way. Add this fun activity to your test prep materials.

World Problems Worksheets with Key Words – These word problems worksheets use key phrases to help your students identify the phrases that will help them determine which math operation to use.

Word Problem Key Words for Math

Math word problems are probably the first opportunity students get to understand how math relates to real world situations. The applications can be relevant in their real life experiences like going to the market.

However, the benefit to word problems doesn’t stop there…

With word problems, students develop their higher-order thinking and critical thinking skills.

Different types of word problems guide your students to applying math various math concepts at the same time. They have to know basic number sense, basic algebra skills, and even geometry when they attempt multiplication word problems.

If we do it the right way, kids won’t see word problems as a dreadful experience in math. Understanding word problems is a learning curve and doesn’t come easily to kids.

Identify Learning Gaps

Another important aspect of word problems is that they tell a parent/teacher if a child needs help in areas like reading comprehension or math number operations skills. This type of word math is a great evaluation of your student’s thinking processes.

We can, however, help make it a better experience for them by teaching it the right way.

Free Math Key Words Cheat Sheet Instant Download

You won’t want to miss our free Word Problem Key Words Cheat Sheet PDF download for different ways kids see keywords in various types of problems in mathematics. This math tool is everything your student needs and the perfect resource to reference keywords in math operations.

Includes the keywords that will help your children solve and recognize word problems for:

• Subtraction
• Multiplication

FREE Instant Download

Math Word Problems Keywords Cheat Sheet

Jeannette Tuionetoa

Jeannette is a wife, mother and homeschooling mom. She has been mightily, saved by grace and is grateful for God’s sovereignty throughout her life’s journey. She has a Bachelor in English Education and her MBA. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. She posts daily freebies for homeschoolers!

Related resources

23 Math Life of Fred Books in Order (K-12 Series)

Printable Number Playdough Mats 1-10 (Free Download)

Free Writing Numbers 1-20 Tracing Numbers for Preschool

Using Living Books to Teach Math Lessons & Review

Free Times Table Test Printables & PDF Worksheets

Printable Number Coloring Pages for Early Learners

This Reading Mama

Word Problem Vocabulary Sorts {FREE Vocabulary Cards}

By thisreadingmama 10 Comments

Word problems. Just the sound of that term may bring back bad memories. I know it does for me. As an elementary student, I despised word problems with ever fiber of my body. Why? Because, as a struggling reader , I struggled to read and comprehend them. I also wasn’t sure what the problem wanted me to do. It would have helped tremendously if I had studied some word problem vocabulary among other things (like some steps to problem solving).

*This post contains affiliate links.

Word Problem Vocabulary Sorts

I’m definitely not an expert in math, but I do know that there is reading involved with word problems. And I do know that lack of vocabulary  and lack of  figuring out unknown words  leads to a breakdown in comprehension, no matter what kids are reading.

Just recently, I created some word problem vocabulary cards {FREE download at the end of this post} for my 3rd grader, ALuv. As we’ve worked through the different operations this year, we’ve talked about these terms. Now that we’re at the end of our year, I thought it was time to do a little vocabulary review {before that fun standardized end-of-the-year test}.

One of the things we did with our word cards was sort them in our tabletop pocket chart . {Seeing that it’s LEGO week , I tried to make the background of each card look like LEGO bricks .}

We also incorporated our LEGO bricks into the word sorts, too. I wrote the vocabulary words on LEGO bricks and we read and sorted them together. He really liked doing this, as he is a wee bit obsessed with LEGO bricks {or building with anything, really}.

These terms are not meant to just be memorized and sorted. They are meant to be applied to real word problems. So, we have looked for these terms as one the steps to solving word problems.

Books for Teaching Problem Solving to Kids

Since my brain is wired more for literacy, here are a couple of math books I’ve purchased and used heavily as a classroom teacher and as a homeschooling mom.

About Teaching Mathematics by Marilyn Burns is one that I devoured. I’m kind of shocked at the price of the newer edition {the 3rd edition is a little less}, but it is well worth it, in my opinion. Burns’ focus is helping kids move beyond just computation {although that is thoroughly covered} to applying that knowledge to real life situations and problems.

If you teach in the elementary grades, Introduction to Problem Solving {3-5 grades} has been a life-saver for me. After purchasing the problem solving book for PreK-2nd grades a few years ago, which can longer be purchased, it seems}, I purchased the one for 3rd through 5th grades. The problem solving steps are taught as well as a chapter on each of the problem solving strategies, like making a table, choosing an operation, or finding a pattern. By the way, if you teach PreK-2nd grades, I’d also recommend this one for you!

I have one more recommendation that I have not used, but heard good things about from a Reading in Math teacher training I did this past year, Teaching Struggling Readers to Tackle Math Word Problems for Grades 3-5. The thing that struck me about this book was how it ties the basic reading comprehension strategies with comprehending word problems.

 Download these FREE Word Problem Vocabulary Cards HERE .

Want MORE Free Teaching Resources?

Join thousands of other subscribers to get hands-on activities and printables delivered right to your inbox!

May 8, 2015 at 10:11 am

Such a cool use of blocks, great idea!

May 10, 2015 at 10:57 pm

I love the idea of using legos to review the related vocabulary terms! That’s a fun and hands-on way to practice! I actually just wrote about the importance of teaching and understanding math vocabulary so I’m excited to see this! 🙂 As always, thanks for sharing!

May 11, 2015 at 3:20 pm

So cool. I sent you an email, Bethany. 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 7:59 am

I love both ideas of lego stacking vocab words and the pocket chart for different ways to represent + and -,etc. So creative!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!

August 20, 2021 at 3:52 pm

Do you have any ideas/suggestions for a great-grandchild with dyslexia? I do not understand dyslexia and the continuing problems with reading. One day the word is known by sight, the next day it is not. Sounding out every word is time consuming and leads to complete frustration. I am concerned that “I can’t read. I hate school. I hate reading.” thoughts have developed. Any help you can send is appreciated.

May 12, 2022 at 2:06 pm

Check out my dyslexia series! You can find them on the blog. I’m also going to be releasing a dyslexia handbook soon!

[…] Lego Vocabulary Word Sorts | This Reading Mama […]

[…] with word problems, I encourage you to focus on the vocabulary first. To help with that, check out this post from This Reading Mama! She has a great download of math vocabulary cards, as well as a fun way to […]

[…] 2nd Annual LEGO Week page for more super fun LEGO Ideas! Here are the other Friday ideas: LEGO Word Problem Sorts Erupting LEGO Volcano LEGO Man Sun Catcher LEGO Night Light Using LEGO With Reading Worksheets […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Trending Post : Easy Fixes for Behavior Challenges

Why do students struggle with math word problems? (And What to Try)

Word problems can be a real challenge for students of all ages. While some learners quickly grasp the concepts and transfer these skills to multi-step word problems, others struggle with even the most straightforward, basic word problems. As teachers, we must understand why this is so to help students succeed.

In this blog post, we’ll explore common issues that cause difficulty when solving word problems and potential solutions that can assist learners in becoming more proficient problem-solvers. So, let’s dive into what makes word problems so tricky and how you can help your students master them!

How to Help Learners Conquer Word Problems: Common Challenges & Solutions

Problem #1: students have difficulty reading & understanding the problems..

Word problems can be a daunting task for students of all ages. Solving math problems demands students to comprehend mathematical terms and have solid decoding abilities. If either of these skills is lacking, students may need help understanding the meaning behind certain words and phrases.

Considering that only a few sentences can determine the solution to a problem, it is essential to comprehend the language used in word problems. Yet, only  32% of 4th graders are proficient readers, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress .

The challenge of comprehending the language in word problems is not only difficult for students who struggle with reading but can also be an obstacle for high-achieving math students. Often, these students know how to solve a problem but need help understanding what the problem is asking.

Word problems further complicate matters due to their use of language that’s different from how we communicate.

For example, students may read a problem that says, “Sarah is baking a pie for her grandmother’s birthday. She needs 7 apples for the recipe. At the store, apples are $2 a piece. If she has $11, will she have enough money to make the pie?”

Students must decode the words and phrases used to understand what the problem is asking them.

Solution: Provide word problems in audio formats & consider how you can incorporate explicit teaching into your math problem-solving routine.

One common strategy for addressing this is to read the problems aloud. Technology can help with this. Recording and storing problems where students can listen to them repeatedly can be helpful. However, you will need to teach your students to use this technology purposefully to help them better understand the word problems they are tackling. Without proper instruction, these recorded problems are no more helpful than reading the problems themselves.

However, this only addresses issues with decoding. It is essential to explain to students the meaning of words and math terms used in questions. A  Problem of the Day format  offers an excellent opportunity to deeply discuss a single problem with students without taking over your entire math lesson.

Explaining these concepts helps students build a stronger foundation for understanding word problems and increases their math comprehension.

Problem #2 :  Students have gaps in vocabulary that would help with math word problems.

Sometimes, story problems require students to have an understanding of math vocabulary. When students don’t wholly understand math vocabulary, they struggle to understand what the problems are asking.

This is more than just decoding!

Even if they can read these words, they may need help understanding how to solve the problems. A strong foundation in math vocabulary is integral to any math classroom.

Solution: Explicitly teach and review math vocabulary regularly.

Ensure that students have a strong foundation in math vocabulary by explicitly teaching terms and concepts. This can be done through direct instruction, visual representations, and activities reinforcing the concepts.

Review these terms regularly throughout the year to ensure they stay fresh in students’ minds.

Problem #3:  Students lack efficient & effective strategies.

Often, students are taught to use keywords early on. However, as problems become more complex, this quickly becomes an ineffective and inefficient strategy For addressing multi-step word problems.

Research has shown keywords often misdirect students’ efforts and derail problem-solving with math word problems.

As a result, many state tests now purposefully include tricky problems designed to fool students who have been taught keywords as a problem-solving strategy.

Solution :  Teach a problem-solving strategy, like CUBES, that helps students break the problem down efficiently.

While keywords are ineffective, giving students a framework for breaking down word problems and identifying the information that CAN help them is a great way to support their problem-solving efforts.

The CUBES strategy (Circle, Underline, Box, Evaluate, Solve) can help older students with math word problems . This strategy helps them break down problems into manageable steps that make sense to them.

Problem #4:  Difficulty mapping out and visualizing the story behind each problem can lead to confusion in solving for an answer.

Another familiar struggle students face when solving word problems is difficulty mapping out and visualizing the story behind each problem. This can lead to confusion in solving for an answer because students may be unable to see how all the pieces fit together. In other words, they don’t have a complete understanding of the context of the problem.

Solution:  Give students an active way to create a picture of what the problem is asking them.

Diagrams with labels, breaking the problem into simpler parts, and making a step-by-step plan with math word problems can help students understand the situation. Having them explain the story in their own words helps them clarify what they’re trying to solve.

Encourage students who automatically add all the numbers to slow down and process the question with numberless word problems.

A numberless word problem is a story problem that does not include numbers . Instead, students are asked to analyze the problem without numbers before they are given the numbers to solve. This can help students notice patterns in the problem and determine what operations will be necessary for solving it. Adding these types of word problems to your instructional routine can be a great way to help students slow down and focus on understanding the scenario being presented in the problem. 

By providing students with different ways to visualize word problems, we can increase their chances of success and provide meaningful math instruction. Equipping them with the right tools and strategies gives them a better chance of tackling any difficult word problem they may encounter.

Problem #5:  Those with poor numeracy skills are disadvantaged when attempting to solve math word problems.

Computational fluency  is a common buzzword in math circles these days. We often discuss whether students know their math facts. However, math fact fluency becomes even more critical when students dive into more challenging word problems.

According to cognitive load theory, students focusing on rote processes such as basic facts have fewer mental resources left for higher-level thinking and processing.

In other words, the more mental energy it takes to work through the first step of a two-step problem, the less likely the student will have the resources to persist in accurately making it through the rest of the problem.

Solution: Build fact fluency practice into your routine in fun, engaging ways. 

Fact fluency practice doesn’t have to be boring, but it is integral to being an effective mathematician. Therefore, finding ways to build it into your math class is essential.

Here are some of my favorite online games that students love:  30+ Awesome Online Games for Math Fact Practice .

Problem #6:  Students lack experience or are only provided with structured word problem practice.

Some curricula only include problems that follow a specific pattern or directly connect to the skill learned in a given lesson. However, formulaic word problems, where students follow a specific set of steps repeatedly, promote complacency.

Students begin to approach every word problem with the same steps. Soon they are grabbing numbers instead of taking the time to comprehend the problem and how best to address it.

Additionally, many word problems require students to apply knowledge from multiple different units to solve the problem. This can be challenging for students still working on mastering previously taught skills. It overwhelms those who have missed chunks of their instruction due to illness or being pulled from instruction.

As a result, these word problems often begin to feel impossible. 

Solution:  Incorporate variety into your problem-solving and allow for productive struggle.

Students need to be provided with an opportunity to approach a variety of different problems across time. They need to see problems that come in various formats. They need uniquely worded problems. This novelty prevents them from sticking with a rote set of strategies. The goal is to get them critically thinking about the problem at hand .

Offering variety builds confidence, competence, and the ability to address any problem they are given. Many students lack confidence in word problems. Varied experience reduces fears and helps students develop a bank of strategies to overcome barriers when complex problems arise.

To help foster independence, you can also support students through the gradual release process. Provide learners with a step-by-step guide to ensure they have completed the problem-solving process’s critical steps when you aren’t doing problems with them. This can help boost their confidence and reduce the risk of careless mistakes.

I’ve created a free mini-book for students with guiding questions and steps to help them independently complete word problems.

Get it here.

Building the math problem solver’s toolbox

Word problems can be difficult for learners, but with the right strategies and resources, teachers can help their students learn to approach word problems confidently. By providing a variety of word problems that come in various formats and require different steps to solve, teachers can allow their students to develop problem-solving skills and build confidence when addressing any problem they are given.

Don’t forget to grab the free problem solver’s guide!

I hope you found this post helpful. Problem-solving is an essential skill for learners. Learn more about word problems or check out my Daily Problem Solving for engaging and meaningful word problem practice. 

Similar Posts

A peek inside the 7th Grade Math Spiral Review

March Math Test Prep Task Cards

15+ Essential Math Intervention Websites You Need to Try

How to Use a Math Spiral Review to Increase Achievement

Count on Laughter: 40 Funniest Math Jokes for Kids

The Easy Way to Teach Place Value to Help Struggling Learners

• [email protected]

Building a mathematics vocabulary

Building a Mathematics Vocabulary

We cannot receive, hold and manipulate a concept without having either an image/schema or words for the concept. The image could be a picture, figure, drawing, or symbols. In the case of language it can be a word, expression, or an equation.

For effective communication of mathematics ideas, children need robust and rich images and vocabularies (language containers). Without appropriate language containers, children cannot retain and communicate mathematics ideas. Vocabulary—words, expressions, phrases—are the language containers for mathematics concepts.

Learning mathematics, then, is using, creating, extending, and modifying language containers—the vocabulary of mathematics. Students’ proficiency in mathematics is directly related to the size of the set of their vocabulary. Rote memorization of a collection of words is not enough to master the language of mathematics. Instead, one has to acquire the related schemas with understanding. Language proficiency refers to the degree to which learners exhibit control over their language.

The introduction of mathematics vocabulary and terminology should be contextual, but even direct study of quantitative and spatial vocabulary contributes significantly to improved mathematics conceptualization—learning new concepts, creating deeper and robust conceptual schemas, and more effective communication.

When children create and encounter a language container for a mathematics concept, they also create and invoke the related conceptual model in their minds. Each word and expression such as sum , product , rational number, least common multiple, denominator , rectangular solid , conic section , and asymptotic represents a concept with its related schema . For example, if a person understands the definition of multiplication as ‘repeated addition’ or ‘groups of’, then these expressions invoke the conceptual schema. The expression 43 ´ 3, will invoke: 43 repeated 3 times (43 + 43 + 43) or 3 groups of 43 (43 + 43 + 43). If multiplication is learned as the ‘area of a rectangle’, then 3 ´ 43 will invoke an image of a rectangle with dimensions 3 (vertical side) and 43 (horizontal side).

The development and mastery of mathematical vocabulary are the result of a long and continuous interactive process between native language, mathematics language and symbols, and their quantitative and spatial experiences. This begins with play and concrete experiences in children’s environment. Experiences are represented through pictorial and visual forms and means, which then may result in abstract mathematics formulations and problems that students solve. This mathematics formulation—devising of abstract symbols, formulas, and equations, is then applied to more problems, and the result of this process is communicated. Successful communications demonstrate that the child has mastered a concept. The process can be summarized as:

• Understanding the environment (concrete experiences and use of native language).
• Translation (native language to pictorial and linguistic forms).
• Representation (in the native language).
• Description and verbalization (in the native language).
• Discussion (in the native language).
• Mathematical formulation of the problem (in the mathematical language).
• Manipulation of mathematical language.
• Communication of the outcome of mathematics operations (in mathematics and native languages).

This communication furthers not only children’s mathematics achievement but also their language development.

Building the Vocabulary of Mathematics Many of children’s mathematics difficulties are due to their limited vocabulary—its size, level, and quality. A child’s size and level of vocabulary is the intersection of three language sets:

• The level and mastery of the native language and background the child brings to the mathematics task.
• The level and sophistication of language that the teacher uses and the questions she asks to teach mathematics.
• The language set of the mathematics textbook being used.

The intersection of these three language sets is the available language the child has to learn mathematics. A small intersection means the child has a limited vocabulary. The objective, then, is to increase the size of this intersection. A child’s limited mathematics vocabulary may be for many reasons.

• The mathematics problems of the child with English as a second language in a classroom where the medium of instruction is other than the child’s native language.
• The child’s and teacher’s economic, cultural, and geographical backgrounds differ. For example, the linguistic problems that many urban black children and immigrant children face are an example of a linguistic/cultural mismatch and the assumptions teachers make in instructing children.
• Textbook language sets differ from the language sets of the children and the teacher.

Whatever the reasons for limited language sets, we need to help children acquire a robust mathematics vocabulary. Properly acquired and used in context, a mathematics vocabulary has a profound effect on children’s mathematics achievement and their thinking. Planned activities for developing, expanding, and using vocabulary contribute significantly to better mathematical word problem-solving ability and support learning new concepts, deeper conceptual understanding, and more effective communication.

Although more textbooks are emphasizing the language of mathematics, there is still little attempt to develop a coherent and comprehensive mathematics vocabulary in school mathematics teaching. In one textbook, the expression “ find the sum ” is introduced quite early. In another series, the expression is introduced much later, and then the words “find the sum” and “add” are used interchangeably. In another text, the word “sum” is used sparingly. Consequently, a child may face different language sets from grade to grade and from school to school. Although the textbooks have a large number of common language terms and vocabulary, many words are not in common. Further, some textbooks use so much language without properly introducing the terms that many children find textbooks frustrating. Exercises do not provide enough practice in basic skills, which prevents children from automatizing the language or the conceptual skills associated with them.

Strategies for Enhancing the Mathematics Vocabulary Ways in which children’s failure to develop mathematical vocabulary may manifest as: (1) children have difficulty conceptualizing a mathematics idea; (2) they do not respond to questions in lessons; (3) they cannot perform a task; and/or (4) they do poorly on tests, particularly on word problems.

• Their lack of conceptualization of a mathematical idea may be because they do not have the language for the concept to receive it, comprehend it or express it, such as ‘find the sum of’, ‘union of two rays…,’ ‘evaluate…’
• Their lack of response may be because they do not understand spoken or written instructions such as ‘draw a line between…’, ‘touch the base of the triangle’, ‘place a positive sign next to the numeral,…’ or ‘find two different ways to…’
• They are not familiar with the mathematics vocabulary words such as ‘difference’, ‘subtract’, ‘quotient’, or ‘product.’
• They may be confused about mathematical terms such as ‘odd’ or ‘table’, which have different meanings in everyday English and have more precise meanings in mathematics.
• They may be confused about other words and symbols like ‘area’ and ‘perimeter’, ‘factor and multiply’, ‘and’.

To enhance children’s vocabulary, every school system should have a minimal mathematics vocabulary list at each grade level. Mastery of words from such lists will prepare children to communicate mathematics. This list can also be used to assess students’ grade level language of mathematics. This list should indicate the grade of introduction of words, terms, and definitions and the level where they are mastered. It should be developmentally and linguistically appropriate. The teacher should constantly identify, introduce, develop, and display the words and phrases that children need to understand and use.

The teacher should use the same techniques to introduce mathematics words as she teaches native language. She should have a Math Word Wall for every mathematics concept she teaches. When a new word related to the concept emerges in discussion, it is added to the Word Wall. With the introduction of each word, students are exposed to several words and concepts that contain it. Then students use it in their own words, with as many examples as they can. The teacher selects a word and then asks children to use it in mathematics context. The following exchange illustrates this process.

• “ Give me a sentence that uses the word ‘add.’”
• “ You have $5 and I have $14. Let us add both amounts.”
• “ That is great! Now use the word ‘sum’ in a sentence.”
• “ That is easy. If we add our monies, what is the sum of our monies?”
• “ That is great! Now I am going to write some words on the board. I want you to first to tell me and then write a sentence or two using each word. If you want, you can use more than one word in a sentence.”

The concepts are then reviewed in circular fashion, built upon, and tied into new ideas. This helps children construct a working vocabulary that is constantly augmented, and they are also learning skills to build it.

Once the key root words have been introduced to children, the teacher can begin to extend the mathematics vocabulary words. Among the easiest sets are the words formed with prefixes, suffixes and derivative words. The process is to introduce the math prefixes and roots casually and then formally. In a casual manner, parents and teachers can remark, “You know a tricycle has 3 wheels. Tri- means 3 and cycle means wheels.”

Teacher: What will be the name of the object that has three angles? Student:  A triangle. Teacher: Why? Student:  A triangle has 3 angles and tri- means 3. Teacher: Now draw a triangle on your paper. Children draw triangles on their papers.

Teacher: The word ‘lateral’ means a side. What will you call an object that has three sides? Student:  A trilateral. Teacher: Now draw a trilateral on a paper. Children draw a trilateral on their papers.

Teacher: If the word ‘gon’ means a corner, what will you call an object that has three corners? Student:  A trigon.

Teacher:   If ‘octo’ means eight, what does ‘octagon’ mean? Student: A figure with eight corners.

As with all language development, there is a sequence in moving from speech ability to writing ability: the input is auditory in its foundation (the child is immersed in oral linguistic experiences), then followed by speech ability (the child produces language) and later by reading and writing ability. When young children have this kind of foundation, they avoid the anxiety of making sense of key foreign words later on in a formal setting. They will be able to generalize and relate math concepts to their daily experiences.

Instructional Suggestions for Language Proficiency There are practical reasons children need to acquire rich and appropriate vocabulary for them to participate in classroom life—the learning activities and tests. There is, however, an even more important reason: vocabulary, as part of mathematical language, is crucial to children’s development of thinking not only in mathematics problem solving but in general problem solving. Once children have control over their language usage, they begin to have control over the meta-cognitive skills that produce insights into their learning and their interactions with learning tasks. Language and thinking are interwoven in reasoning, problem solving, and applications of mathematics in multiple forms—intra-mathematical, interdisciplinary, and extracurricular. If children do not have the vocabulary to talk about a concept, they cannot make progress in understanding its applications—therefore solving word problems.

Teachers often use informal, everyday language in mathematics lessons before or alongside technical mathematical vocabulary. This may help children’s initial grasp of the meaning of words; however, a structural approach to the teaching and learning of vocabulary is essential to move to higher mathematics using the correct mathematical terminology. This also applies to proficiency. The teacher needs to determine the extent of children’s informal mathematical vocabulary and the depth of their understanding and then build the formal vocabulary on it.

It is not just younger children who need regular, planned opportunity to develop their mathematical vocabulary. All students and adults returning to education need to experience a cycle of concrete work, oral work, reading, writing, and applications.

The teacher needs to introduce new words through a suitable context, for example, with relevant, real objects, mathematical apparatus, pictures, and/or diagrams. Referring to new words only once will do little to promote the learning of mathematics vocabulary. The teacher should use every opportunity to draw attention to new words or symbols with the whole class, in small groups or with individual students. Finally, the teacher should create opportunities for children to read and write new mathematics vocabulary in diverse circumstances and to use the word in sentences.

• Concrete work: Concrete materials/models develop images and the language for mathematics ideas. The concrete materials/models help children (a) generate the language, (b) understand the concept, and (c) arrive at an efficient procedure. Students should be encouraged to explore and solve problems using manipulative materials and asked to discuss and record the activity using pictures and symbols. The teacher or a student can also act the word out.
• Writing work: The teacher should explain the meanings of words carefully. The teacher should refer to a similar word; give the history and the derivation of the word and write it on the board. Children should copy it in their Math Notebook. The teacher should ask the children to say the word clearly and slowly. They should rehearse the pronunciation of the word. The teacher should ask them to spell the word and ask a child to say the word and spell it with eyes closed.
• listening to the teacher or other students using words correctly
• acquiring confidence and fluency in speaking, using complete sentences that include the new words and phrases, in chorus with others or individually
• discussing ways of solving a problem, collecting data, organizing data and discussing the properties of the data for a variety of reasons: to generate hypotheses, develop conjectures or make predictions about possible results or relationships between different elements and variables involved in the problem
• presenting, explaining, communicating, and justifying methods, results, solutions, or reasoning, to the whole class, a group, or partner
• generalizing or describing examples that match a general statement
• encouraging the use of the word in context and helping sort out any ambiguities or misconceptions students may have through a range of open and closed questions.

Because students cannot learn the meanings of words in isolation, I believe in the centrality of reading and conversation in mathematics lessons. Shared reading is a valuable context for learning and teaching not only mathematics language but also mathematics content. Strategies such as using children’s books, stories, DVDs, and videos as a vehicle for communicating mathematical ideas develops mathematical language. Reading word problems aloud and silently, as a whole class and individually, is equally important. During these readings, the teacher should ask questions involving mathematics concepts. This develops strong mathematics language and understanding. Students can be asked to read and explain:

• numbers, signs and symbols, expressions and equations in blackboard presentations
• instructions and explanations in workbooks, textbooks, and other multi-media presentations
• texts with mathematical references in fiction and non-fiction books, books of rhymes, children’s books during the literacy hour as well as mathematics lessons
• labels and captions on classroom displays, in diagrams, graphs, charts, and tables
• definitions in illustrated dictionaries, including dictionaries that the children have made themselves, in order to discover synonyms, origins of words, words that start with the same group of letters (e.g. triangle, tricycle, triplet, trisect…), words made by coding pre-fixes or suffixes, words derived from other words.

All students from K through 12 and adults returning to education need to work on developing their mathematics vocabulary.

Attend to precision

Related posts.

Effective teaching of mathematics

Enriching mathematics experiences for kindergarten through second grade students

Number war games for teaching and reinforcing number concept

Processing speed and working memory

Dyscalculia and other learning problems in mathematics

Leave your thought here cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

• Number war games 3
• Number war games 4
• Stereotype and its Effect
• Summer 2018 one
• Intent of the CCSS

Recent Comments

• February 2021
• Entries feed
• Comments feed
• WordPress.org

Social Links

© 2021 mathematicsforall.org. All Rights Reserved

• Pre-Kindergarten
• Kindergarden
• First Grade
• Second Grade
• Third Grade
• Fourth Grade
• Fifth Grade
• Sixth Grade
• Seventh Grade
• Eighth Grade
• Ninth Grade
• Tenth Grade
• Eleventh Grade
• Twelfth Grade
• Early Year Teachers
• Primary Grade Teachers
• High School Teachers
• Special Educators
• Administrators
• Other Courses
• Workbook for Students
• Online Learning
• Teaching Tools
• Book for Teachers/Parents
• Assessment and Diagnostic Test
• Our Publication

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

Word Problems Activities

Teach your child all about word problems with amazing educational resources for children. These online word problems learning resources break down the topic into smaller parts for better conceptual understanding and grasp. Get started now to make word problems practice a smooth, easy and fun process for your child!

CONTENT TYPE

• Lesson Plans
• Math (8,010)
• Number Sense (1,256)
• Number Recognition (50)
• Number Recognition Within 5 (17)
• Number Recognition Within 10 (17)
• Number Recognition Within 20 (16)
• Number Tracing (470)
• Number Tracing Within 5 (135)
• Number Tracing Within 10 (125)
• Number Tracing Within 20 (210)
• Number Sequence (83)
• Counting (273)
• Counting Objects Within 5 (105)
• Counting Objects Within 10 (106)
• Counting Objects Within 20 (17)
• Compare Numbers (127)
• Compare Objects (17)
• Compare Numbers Using Place Value (29)
• Compare 3-Digit Numbers (19)
• Order Numbers (37)
• Skip Counting (49)
• Skip Count By 2 (9)
• Skip Count By 5 (9)
• Skip Count By 10 (23)
• Skip Count By 100 (4)
• Even And Odd Numbers (27)
• Place Value (143)
• Teen Numbers (15)
• Round Numbers (47)
• Round Numbers To The Nearest 10 (18)
• Round Numbers To The Nearest 100 (14)
• Addition (1,211)
• Add With Pictures (180)
• Addition Properties (27)
• Addition Strategies (311)
• Compose And Decompose Numbers (138)
• Number Bonds (19)
• Count All To Add (21)
• Add Using A Number Line (19)
• Count On To Add (23)
• Add With 10 (24)
• Doubles And Near Doubles Addition Strategy (37)
• Make 10 Strategy (18)
• Add Three Whole Numbers (73)
• 2-Digit Addition (124)
• 2-Digit Addition Without Regrouping (60)
• 2-Digit Addition With Regrouping (26)
• 3-Digit Addition (170)
• 3-Digit Addition Without Regrouping (82)
• 3-Digit Addition With Regrouping (55)
• 4-Digit Addition (60)
• 4-Digit Addition Without Regrouping (25)
• 4-Digit Addition With Regrouping (29)
• Large Numbers Addition (63)
• 5-Digit Addition (30)
• Subtraction (957)
• Subtract With Pictures (110)
• Subtraction Strategies (107)
• 2-Digit Subtraction (174)
• 2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping (97)
• 2-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping (30)
• 3-Digit Subtraction (173)
• 3-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping (87)
• 3-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping (45)
• 4-Digit Subtraction (75)
• 4-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping (36)
• 4-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping (35)
• Large Numbers Subtraction (114)
• 5-Digit Subtraction (54)
• Multiplication (666)
• Multiplication Strategies (154)
• Multiplication With Equal Groups (41)
• Multiplication With Arrays (44)
• Multiplication Sentences (64)
• Repeated Addition To Multiply (32)
• Times Tables (155)
• Multiplication By 2 (15)
• Multiplication By 3 (16)
• Multiplication By 4 (14)
• Multiplication By 5 (18)
• Multiplication By 6 (14)
• Multiplication By 7 (12)
• Multiplication By 8 (13)
• Multiplication By 9 (13)
• Multiplication By 10 (10)
• Multiplication By 11 (12)
• Multiplication By 12 (12)
• Multiplication Properties (143)
• Distributive Property Of Multiplication (77)
• Multiply By Multiples Of 10 (60)
• Estimate Products (12)
• Multi-Digit Multiplication (192)
• Multiply 2-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (44)
• Multiply 2-Digit By 2-Digit Numbers (58)
• Multiply 3-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (20)
• Multiply 3-Digit By 2-Digit Numbers (30)
• Multiply 4-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (18)
• Division (422)
• Divide On A Number Line (13)
• Division Facts (158)
• Division By 2 (15)
• Division By 3 (15)
• Division By 4 (15)
• Division By 5 (15)
• Division By 6 (15)
• Division By 7 (15)
• Division By 8 (15)
• Division By 9 (15)
• Estimate Quotients (19)
• Long Division (105)
• Divide 2-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (23)
• Divide 3-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (27)
• Divide 4-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (21)
• Fractions (615)
• Fractions Using Models (79)
• Fractions On A Number Line (26)
• Compare Fractions (64)
• Compare Fractions Using Models (16)
• Equivalent Fractions (60)
• Equivalent Fractions Using Models (19)
• Fractions Operations (338)
• Add Fractions (58)
• Add Fractions Using Models (23)
• Add Like Fractions (26)
• Estimate Fraction Sums (7)
• Subtract Fractions (47)
• Subtract Fractions Using Models (21)
• Subtract Like Fractions (18)
• Add Mixed Numbers (51)
• Subtract Mixed Numbers (54)
• Subtract A Fraction From A Mixed Number (19)
• Multiply Fractions (65)
• Multiply Fractions Using Models (18)
• Multiply Fractions By Whole Numbers (42)
• Divide Fractions (10)
• Decimals (1,835)
• Read And Write Decimals (113)
• Decimals Using Models (22)
• Decimals On A Number Line (18)
• Decimal Place Value (71)
• Compare Decimals (53)
• Order Decimals (27)
• Round Decimals (42)
• Round Decimals To The Nearest Whole (13)
• Decimal Operations (1,587)
• Add Decimals (382)
• Subtract Decimals (387)
• Multiply Decimals (263)
• Divide Decimals (170)
• Divide Decimals By Whole Numbers (52)
• Geometry (284)
• Positional Words (15)
• Angles (22)
• Shapes (178)
• 2D Shapes (143)
• Attributes Of 2D Shapes (45)
• Triangles (15)
• Quadrilaterals (26)
• 3D Shapes (31)
• Partition Into Equal Parts (29)
• Partition In Halves, Thirds, And Fourths (24)
• Coordinate Plane (27)
• Data Handling (75)
• Sorting Objects (18)
• Measurement (204)
• Length (57)
• Measure Lengths Using The Ruler (16)
• Estimate Lengths (8)
• Comparing Lengths (27)
• Height (16)
• Comparing Heights (16)
• Weight (23)
• Capacity (22)
• Conversion Of Measurement Units (27)
• Perimeter (25)
• Volume (11)
• Am And Pm (11)
• Time In Hours (25)
• Time In Half Hours (20)
• Time In Quarter Hours (21)
• Time To The Nearest 5 Minutes (27)
• Time To The Nearest Minute (3)
• Elapsed Time (5)
• Money (131)
• Identify Coins (37)
• Counting Money (37)
• Compare Money (20)
• Add And Subtract Money (31)
• Multiply And Divide Money (9)
• Algebra (163)
• Number Patterns (49)
• Expressions And Equations (48)
• Order Of Operations (18)
• Factors And Multiples (51)
• Prime And Composite Numbers (15)
• Word Problems (755)
• Addition Word Problems (175)
• Addition Word Problems Within 20 (82)
• Subtraction Word Problems (124)
• Subtraction Word Problems Within 20 (65)
• Multiplication Word Problems (115)
• Division Word Problems (77)
• Fraction Word Problems (44)
• ELA (7,781)
• Reading (5,484)
• Phonics (5,185)
• Bossy R (77)
• Words With Ar (12)
• Words With Er (8)
• Words With Ir (8)
• Words With Or (7)
• Words With Ur (8)
• Diphthongs (46)
• Consonant Blends (232)
• Ending Blends (120)
• Beginning Blends (113)
• L Blend Words (52)
• R Blend Words (48)
• Alphabet (1,007)
• Letter Recognition (1,007)
• Letter A (23)
• Letter B (27)
• Letter C (22)
• Letter D (28)
• Letter E (22)
• Letter F (23)
• Letter G (28)
• Letter H (24)
• Letter I (26)
• Letter J (26)
• Letter K (22)
• Letter L (22)
• Letter M (23)
• Letter N (25)
• Letter O (22)
• Letter P (29)
• Letter Q (27)
• Letter R (22)
• Letter S (22)
• Letter T (23)
• Letter U (22)
• Letter V (22)
• Letter W (22)
• Letter X (22)
• Letter Y (22)
• Letter Z (22)
• Lowercase Letters (187)
• Uppercase Letters (207)
• Matching Lowercase And Uppercase Letters (209)
• Alphabetical Order (65)
• Letter Sounds (463)
• Vowels (430)
• Long Vowel Sounds (147)
• Long Vowel A Sound (34)
• Long Vowel E Sound (33)
• Long Vowel I Sound (32)
• Long Vowel O Sound (30)
• Long Vowel U Sound (33)
• Silent E (41)
• Short Vowel Sounds (245)
• Short Vowel A Sound (106)
• Short Vowel E Sound (51)
• Short Vowel I Sound (99)
• Short Vowel O Sound (68)
• Short Vowel U Sound (52)
• Vowel Teams (102)
• Words With Ai And Ay (8)
• Words With Ea And Ee (11)
• Words With Ie And Y (8)
• Words With Oa And Ow (9)
• Words With Oo (10)
• Words With Ue And Ui (9)
• Blending (804)
• Ccvc Words (86)
• Ccvcc Words (42)
• Cvc Words (455)
• Cvcc Words (197)
• Consonant Digraphs (37)
• Digraph Ch (15)
• Digraph Ph (9)
• Digraph Sh (16)
• Digraph Th (15)
• Digraph Wh (15)
• Double Consonants (47)
• Rhyming Words (175)
• Trigraphs (52)
• Three Letter Blends (49)
• Sight Words (2,005)
• Reading Comprehension (287)
• Cause And Effect (22)
• Inference (23)
• Identify The Main Idea And Key Details (39)
• Prediction (25)
• Sequencing (30)
• Writing (2,214)
• Handwriting (2,071)
• Letter Tracing (402)
• Letter Tracing A (18)
• Letter Tracing B (19)
• Letter Tracing C (18)
• Letter Tracing D (19)
• Letter Tracing E (18)
• Letter Tracing F (20)
• Letter Tracing G (18)
• Letter Tracing H (19)
• Letter Tracing I (18)
• Letter Tracing J (18)
• Letter Tracing K (18)
• Letter Tracing L (18)
• Letter Tracing M (19)
• Letter Tracing N (18)
• Letter Tracing O (18)
• Letter Tracing P (18)
• Letter Tracing Q (18)
• Letter Tracing R (18)
• Letter Tracing S (18)
• Letter Tracing T (18)
• Letter Tracing U (18)
• Letter Tracing V (18)
• Letter Tracing W (18)
• Letter Tracing X (18)
• Letter Tracing Y (18)
• Letter Tracing Z (18)
• General Knowledge (295)
• Vegetables (19)
• Fruits (24)
• Dessert (9)
• Animals (58)
• Underwater (9)
• Dinosaurs (8)
• Reptiles (9)
• Seasonal (28)
• Christmas (12)
• Halloween (8)
• Kitchen (11)
• Utensils (6)
• Musical Instruments (30)
• Transport (9)
• Vehicles (9)
• Insects (9)
• Professions (8)
• Monuments (8)
• Household Items (8)
• Flowers (8)
• Buildings (8)
• Art & Creativity (236)
• Coloring (181)
• Animals (32)
• Underwater (8)
• Reptiles (8)
• Vegetables (8)
• Transport (8)
• Vehicles (8)
• Musical Instruments (8)
• Kitchen (8)
• Utensils (5)
• Insects (8)
• Rhymes (25)
• Cooking (7)
• Stories (10)
• Logic & Thinking (16)
• Puzzles (11)
• Matching (3)
• Multiplayer (12)
• Time Based (12)
• Motor Skills (16)
• Fine Finger Movement (9)

Addition Word Problems

Adding One by Making a Model Game

Treat yourself to an immersive learning experience with our 'Adding One by Making a Model' game.

Adding Within 5 by Making a Model Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by adding within 5 by making a model.

Add within 5: Summer Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging summer-themed worksheet with word problems to enhance addition skills within 5.

Add within 5: Halloween Word Problems Worksheet

Spooky-themed worksheet for practicing addition within 5 through Halloween word problems.

Subtraction Word Problems

Solve Subtraction Scenarios Game

Apply your knowledge to solve subtraction scenarios.

Word Problems: Subtracting One Game

Sharpen your math skills with the 'Word Problems: Subtracting One' game.

Subtract within 5: Summer Word Problems Worksheet

A fun, summer-themed worksheet designed to enhance students' subtraction skills with problems up to 5.

Subtract within 5: Halloween Word Problems Worksheet

Spooky themed worksheet to master subtraction within 5 through fun Halloween word problems!

Multiplication Word Problems

Solve the Word Problems Related to Multiplication Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning to solve word problems related to multiplication.

Solve Word Problems on Decimal Multiplication Game

Kids must solve word problems on decimal multiplication to practice decimals.

Complete the Word Problem for Equal Groups Worksheet

Help your child revise multiplication by solving word problems for equal groups.

Complete the Word Problem for Arrays Worksheet

Learners must complete the word problems for arrays to enhance their math skills.

Division Word Problems

Word Problems on How many Tens Game

Learn to solve world problems on 'How many Tens' with this game.

Solve Word Problems on Division Game

Learn to solve math problems by solving word problems on division.

Use Multiplication to Solve Division Word Problems Worksheet

Boost your ability to use multiplication to solve division word problems by printing this worksheet.

Solving Problems on Division Worksheet

Put your skills to the test by practicing to solve problems on division.

Fraction Word Problems

Solve the Word Problems on Fraction Addition Game

Have your own math-themed party by learning how to solve the word problems on fraction addition.

Solve the Word Problems on Fraction Subtraction Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by solving word problems on fraction subtraction.

Find Numerator to Have the Same Amount Worksheet

Be on your way to become a mathematician by finding the numerator to have the same amount.

Apply Fractions to Compare Worksheet

Combine math learning with adventure by applying fractions to compare.

All Word Problems Resources

Model and Add (Within 10) Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to model and add (within 10).

Word Problems: Subtracting Within 10 Game

Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by practicing to solve word problems on subtracting within 10.

Add within 5: Christmas Word Problems Worksheet

Engage in festive math fun with this Christmas-themed worksheet, adding numbers within 5.

Subtract within 5: Christmas Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging Christmas-themed worksheet for students to master subtraction within 5 through word problems.

Solve Word Problems using Division Game

Apply your knowledge to solve word problems using division.

Solve Word Problems on Fraction-Whole Number Multiplication Game

Apply your knowledge to solve word problems on fraction-whole number multiplication.

Interpret Multiplication Scenarios

Engage in solving multiplication scenarios with these fun worksheets about the properties of 0 and 1!

Divide 2-digit Numbers by 1-digit Numbers: Summer Word Problems Worksheet

A summer-themed worksheet for students to practice dividing 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers.

Solve 'Add To' Scenarios Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by solving 'Add To' scenarios.

Solve 'Take Apart' Scenarios Game

Take the pressure off by simplifying subtraction by solving 'Take Apart' scenarios.

Word Problems on Adding Fractions & Mixed Numbers Worksheet

Become a mathematician by practicing word problems on adding fractions & mixed numbers.

Add within 5: Shopping Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging worksheet with a shopping theme to help students master addition within 5 through word problems.

Solve Comparison Word Problems Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to solve comparison word problems.

Word Problems on Addition of Fractions Game

Use your fraction skills to solve word problems on addition of fractions.

Subtract within 5: Shopping Word Problems Worksheet

Engaging subtraction worksheet with a shopping theme, helping students solve problems within 5.

Make a Model to Multiply Worksheet

Put your skills to the test by practicing to make a model to multiply.

Solve 'Put Together' Scenarios Game

Shine bright in the math world by learning how to solve 'Put Together' scenarios.

Subtraction Scenario Game

Take a look at subtraction scenarios with this game.

Divide 2-digit Numbers by 1-digit Numbers: Halloween Word Problems Worksheet

Halloween-themed worksheet to enhance skills in dividing 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers.

Adding Fractions & Mixed Numbers Word Problems Worksheet

Help your child solve word problems on adding fractions & mixed numbers.

Find the Number of Groups Game

Find the number of groups to practice division.

Word Problems on Subtraction of Fractions Game

Have your own math-themed party by learning how to solve word problems on subtraction of fractions.

Add within 5: Travel Word Problems Worksheet

This worksheet combines fun travel-themed scenarios with math problems, requiring students to add numbers within 5.

Subtract within 5: Travel Word Problems Worksheet

Travel-themed worksheet to enhance students' subtraction skills within 5 through word problems.

Solve 'Add To' Word Problems Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to solve 'Add To' word problems.

Take Away Scenario Game

Use your subtraction skills to solve 'Take Away' scenarios.

Multiply by Making a Model Worksheet

Pack your math practice time with fun by multiplying by making a model.

Divide 2-digit Numbers by 1-digit Numbers: Christmas Word Problems Worksheet

Christmas-themed worksheet to practice dividing 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers through word problems.

Your one stop solution for all grade learning needs.

• Daily Games
• Strategy and Puzzles
• Vocabulary Games
• Junior Edition Games
• All problems
• High School Math
• MAML Problems
• Calculus Problems
• Loony Physics
• Pro Problems
• Getting Started
• Pro Control Panel
• Virtual Classroom
• Play My Favorites
• Select My Favorites

Problem Solving Vocabulary

Interactive games.

Printable Games

Word Search Setup

Word List Words/Clues

Use our Word List feature to build your own Word Search, Cross Search, and Jumbled Word worksheets to print for your children/students, or create interactive vocabulary games - Hangman, Multi Word Scramble, Blackberry Game, Telephone Game, or Word Flash. Assign these fun activities to your students with our Virtual Classroom.

Blogs on This Site

• Our Mission

A Math Word Problem Framework That Fosters Conceptual Thinking

This strategy for selecting and teaching word problems guides students to develop their understanding of math concepts.

Word problems in mathematics are a powerful tool for helping students make sense of and reason with mathematical concepts. Many students, however, struggle with word problems because of the various cognitive demands. As districtwide STEAM professional development specialists, we’ve spent a lot of time focusing on supporting our colleagues and students to ensure their success with word problems. We found that selecting the right word problems, as well as focusing on conceptual understanding rather than procedural knowledge, provides our students with real growth.

As our thinking evolved, we began to instill a routine that supports teaching students to solve with grit by putting them in the driver’s seat of the thinking. Below you’ll find the routine that we’ve found successful in helping students overcome the challenges of solving word problems.

Not all word problems are created equal

Prior to any instruction, we always consider the quality of the task for teaching and learning. In our process, we use word problems as the path to mathematics instruction. When selecting the mathematical tasks for students, we always consider the following questions:

• Does the task align with the learning goals and standards?
• Will the task engage and challenge students at an appropriate level, providing both a sense of accomplishment and further opportunities for growth?
• Is the task open or closed? Open tasks provide multiple pathways to foster a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and skills. Closed tasks can still provide a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and skills if the task requires a high level of cognitive demand. 
• Does the task encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills?
• Will the task allow students to see the relevance of mathematics to real-world situations?
• Does the task promote creativity and encourage students to make connections between mathematical concepts and other areas of their lives?

If we can answer yes to as many of these questions as possible, we can be assured that our tasks are rich. There are further insights for rich math tasks on NRICH and sample tasks on Illustrative Mathematics and K-5 Math Teaching Resources .

Developing conceptual understanding

Once we’ve selected the rich math tasks, developing conceptual understanding becomes our instructional focus. We present students with Numberless Word Problems and simultaneously use a word problem framework to focus on analysis of the text and to build conceptual understanding, rather than just memorization of formulas and procedures. 

• First we remove all of the numbers and have students read the problem focusing on who or what the problem is about; they visualize and connect the scenario to their lives and experiences. 
• Next we have our students rewrite the question as a statement to ensure that they understand the questions.
• Then we have our students read the problem again and have them think analytically. They ask themselves these questions: Are there parts? Is there a whole? Are things joining or separating? Is there a comparison? 
• Once that’s completed, we reveal the numbers in the problem. We have the students read the problem again to determine if they have enough information to develop a model and translate it into an equation that can be solved.
• After they’ve solved their equation, we have students compare it against their model to check their answer.  

Collaboration and workspace are key to building the thinking

To build the thinking necessary in the math classroom , we have students work in visibly random collaborative groups (random groups of three for grades 3 through 12, random groups of two for grades 1 and 2). With random groupings, we’ve found that students don’t enter their groups with predetermined roles, and all students contribute to the thinking.

For reluctant learners, we make sure these students serve as the scribe within the group documenting each member’s contribution. We also make sure to use nonpermanent vertical workspaces (whiteboards, windows [using dry-erase markers], large adhesive-backed chart paper, etc.). The vertical workspace provides accessibility for our diverse learners and promotes problem-solving because our students break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps. The vertical workspaces also provide a visually appealing and organized way for our students to show their work.  We’ve witnessed how these workspaces help hold their attention and improve their focus on the task at hand.

Facilitate and provide feedback to move the thinking along

As students grapple with the task, the teacher floats among the collaborative groups, facilitates conversations, and gives the students feedback. Students are encouraged to look at the work of other groups or to provide a second strategy or model to support their thinking. Students take ownership and make sense of the problem, attempt solutions, and try to support their thinking with models, equations, charts, graphs, words, etc. They work through the problem collaboratively, justifying their work in their small group. In essence, they’re constructing their knowledge and preparing to share their work with the rest of the class. 

Word problems are a powerful tool for teaching math concepts to students. They offer a practical and relatable approach to problem-solving, enabling students to understand the relevance of math in real-life situations. Through word problems, students learn to apply mathematical principles and logical reasoning to solve complex problems. 

Moreover, word problems also enhance critical thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making abilities. Incorporating word problems into math lessons is an effective way to make math engaging, meaningful, and applicable to everyday life.

Teach Starter, part of Tes Teach Starter, part of Tes

Search  everything  in all resources

Word Problems Teaching Resources

Browse math word problems and word problem worksheets created by teachers for teachers like you! This vast collection covers all four math operations with problem-solving tasks that allow students to apply their math skills to real-world problems!

From worksheets to task cards, this collection is full of Common Core math curriculum-aligned resources, ready for your classroom, your lesson plans and your students!

Curious about using word problems in your classroom? Read on for a primer from our teacher team, including a kid-friendly definition of the concept and tips to ensure your students succeed with word problems!

What Is a Word Problem? A Kid-Friendly Definition

No doubt you know the answer to this question, but would you know how to answer if a student asked? Here's a handy definition that you can use!

A word problem is a kind of maths problem that is presented in words instead of just numbers. Word problems require us to use our math skills to solve real-life scenarios or situations.

A word problem usually includes a question or a scenario that needs to be solved using one of the four math operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.

How to Help Students Succeed With Word Problems

Word problems are a fantastic tool to help students build their problem-solving skills. So how do you set them up for success?

Our teacher team has a few tricks up our sleeves to ensure your students can translate their maths skills into real-world problem-solving situations.

1. Teach Key Word Problem Vocabulary

Word problems are full of, well, words that serve as cues for students to help them know which operations to apply. Make sure to explicitly teach students the words so they know the appropriate actions.

For example, if a student sees the term "take away" in a word problem, they should know that subtraction is involved. Here are just a few other key word problem vocabulary terms:

• Increased by
• How much longer

You may want to create anchor charts as a class with some of these keywords so students have a handy reference.

2. Hand Out Highlighter s

Teach students to work through a word problem and highlight or underline the important information (such as what is being asked for), while they cross out redundant information and other bits that are not necessary.

This can help them focus on the key points that matter.

3. Teach the CUBES Strategy

This handy strategy is a favorite among our teacher team (you'll even find CUBES resources on our site!). CUBES stands for:

• C ircle all the numbers
• U nderline the question
• B ox the key words
• E valuate and write the equation
• S olve & check

4. Practice Creating Word Problems As a Class

Before you hand already crafted word problems to your students to solve, why not work together as a class to create some?

Take regular addition or subtraction problems from the many worksheets on Teach Starter, and turn them into word problems together so students can reverse engineer the process. Students can also draw a picture to illustrate the problem.

• Teaching Resource 77
• Task Cards 25
• Worksheets 22
• Teaching Slides 7
• Classroom Posters 6
• Templates 5
• Matching Games 4
• Interactive Games 4
• Classroom Decor 1
• Classroom Bulletin Boards 1
• Escape Room Games 1
• Dice Games 1
• Inquiry Based Learning Activities 1
• Tarsia Puzzles 1
• Printable Bookmark Templates 1
• Kindergarten 5
• 1st Grade 16
• 2nd Grade 30
• 3rd Grade 48
• 4th Grade 36
• 5th Grade 26
• 6th Grade 12
• 7th Grade 1

availability

File formats.

• Printable PDF 72
• Google Slides 42
• Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) 9
• Teach Starter Publishing 78

Division with Models Worksheet

Complete 8 division word problems by representing dividends as numbers, pictures, and number sentences.

Math Keywords for Problem Solving

Help your students decipher math word problems with a set of printable math keyword anchor charts.

Addition and Subtraction Problem Solving Task Cards

Practice solving 1- and 2-step word problems by adding and subtracting 2-digit numbers with this set of 16 task cards.

Math Thinking Sentence Starter Posters

Forty-two posters with math reflective sentence starters.

Open-Ended Math Word Problems - 5th Grade/6th Grade

Boost your students’ problem-solving skills with rigorous open-ended math problems for 5th and 6th grade students.

3-Act Math Tasks - Time Conversion Worksheets

Practice problem-solving skills and time conversions with a printable pack of 3 Act Maths Task worksheets.

5th Grade Math Review – Test Prep Packet

Encourage your students to work through 8 pages of 5th-grade math problems while charting their progress to measure their success.

Math Word Problem Match-Up Game - Basic Multiplication and Division

Twenty word problem cards to use in the classroom when learning to differentiate between multiplication and division situations.

Multiplication and Division - Which Operation Is It? – Interactive PowerPoint

An interactive 64-slide PowerPoint to use when learning to solve multiplication and division word problems.

Problem Solving Strategy Posters

A set of 10 posters outlining problem solving strategies.

Area and Perimeter Word Problems

Get students to solve area and perimeter word problems with this set of three worksheets for 3rd and 4th grade.

Multiplication or Division? Problem Solving Cards

20 multiplication and division problem solving cards.

Daily Math Problems - Grades 2-3

A 44-slide PowerPoint that includes 20 one and two-step word problems.

Problem Solving Mat

A problem solving mat to help guide students when solving word problems.

Problem Solving Worksheet - Money

A problem solving worksheet involving money.

Mixed Operations - Length Word Problems Worksheets

Solve multi-step length word problems with a printable pack of 3-act Math Word Problem Worksheets.

Multi-Step Addition and Subtraction Word Problem Task Cards

Solve multi-step addition and subtraction word problems with a set of printable math task cards.

Addition and Subtraction Word Problems - Match Game

Practice reading, modeling, and solving addition and subtraction word problems with a matching activity.

Basketball Math- Interactive Slides

Tame the March “Mathness” by solving problems and analyzing data with an exciting basketball-themed interactive activity.

Basketball Math- Mixed Operations Worksheet

Practice multiplication, division, fractions, and problem-solving skills with a high-interest basketball-themed math task

Thanksgiving Math- Multiplication Task Cards

Practice solving single-digit multiplication word problems with a set of Thanksgiving Task Cards.

Halloween-Themed Division Word Problems - Task Cards

Use various strategies ​​to solve division word problems with a set of Halloween Task Cards.

CUBES Bulletin Board and Bookmark Set

Tackle word problems with this CUBES problem-solving bulletin board and bookmark set.

Multiplication and Division Word Problem Task Cards (Facts 1-12)

Use a range of strategies ​​to solve multiplication and division problems for times tables facts 1-12.

Multiplication and Division Word Problems Task Cards (2-Digit by 1-Digit)

Use a range of strategies ​​to solve 2-digit by 1-digit multiplication and division problems that exceed the facts of the 12 times tables.

Word Problem Task Cards: Addition and Subtraction Within 10

Practice addition and subtraction within 10 with this set of 18 word problem task cards.

Roll to Create a Strip Diagram

A roll to create template for students to use when learning to use strip diagrams.

10 Problem Solving Strategies Posters

Posters highlighting 10 problem solving strategies.

Open-ended Math Problem Solving - Grades 1, 2, and 3 (Task Card Version)

A set of 20 open-ended problem solving task cards covering a range of mathematical concepts.

Bobby's Board Games – Math Game Challenge

Challenge students to design and create a math board game.

Math Word Problem Task Cards - Multiplication and Long Division

Solve multi-step multiplication and long division word problems with a set of printable math task cards.

The Case of the Missing Turkey! - Thanksgiving Escape

Uncover the location of the missing Thanksgiving turkey with a 4th-grade multiplication Thanksgiving Mystery escape room activity.

• Word Problems Worksheets
• Word Problems Games
• Word Problems for 1st Grade
• Word Problems for 2nd Grade
• Word Problems for 3rd Grade
• Word Problems for 4th Grade
• Word Problems for 5th Grade
• Word Problems for 6th Grade

If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

Praxis Core Math

Course: praxis core math   >   unit 1.

• Algebraic properties | Lesson
• Algebraic properties | Worked example
• Solution procedures | Lesson
• Solution procedures | Worked example
• Equivalent expressions | Lesson
• Equivalent expressions | Worked example
• Creating expressions and equations | Lesson
• Creating expressions and equations | Worked example

Algebraic word problems | Lesson

• Algebraic word problems | Worked example
• Linear equations | Lesson
• Linear equations | Worked example
• Quadratic equations | Lesson
• Quadratic equations | Worked example

What are algebraic word problems?

What skills are needed.

• Translating sentences to equations
• Solving linear equations with one variable
• Evaluating algebraic expressions
• Solving problems using Venn diagrams

How do we solve algebraic word problems?

• Define a variable.
• Write an equation using the variable.
• Solve the equation.
• If the variable is not the answer to the word problem, use the variable to calculate the answer.

What's a Venn diagram?

• 7 + 10 − 13 = 4 ‍   brought both food and drinks.
• 7 − 4 = 3 ‍   brought only food.
• 10 − 4 = 6 ‍   brought only drinks.
• Your answer should be
• an integer, like 6 ‍  
• a simplified proper fraction, like 3 / 5 ‍  
• a simplified improper fraction, like 7 / 4 ‍  
• a mixed number, like 1   3 / 4 ‍  
• an exact decimal, like 0.75 ‍  
• a multiple of pi, like 12   pi ‍   or 2 / 3   pi ‍  
• (Choice A)   $ 4 ‍   A $ 4 ‍  
• (Choice B)   $ 5 ‍   B $ 5 ‍  
• (Choice C)   $ 9 ‍   C $ 9 ‍  
• (Choice D)   $ 14 ‍   D $ 14 ‍  
• (Choice E)   $ 20 ‍   E $ 20 ‍  
• (Choice A)   10 ‍   A 10 ‍  
• (Choice B)   12 ‍   B 12 ‍  
• (Choice C)   24 ‍   C 24 ‍  
• (Choice D)   30 ‍   D 30 ‍  
• (Choice E)   32 ‍   E 32 ‍  
• (Choice A)   4 ‍   A 4 ‍  
• (Choice B)   10 ‍   B 10 ‍  
• (Choice C)   14 ‍   C 14 ‍  
• (Choice D)   18 ‍   D 18 ‍  
• (Choice E)   22 ‍   E 22 ‍  

Things to remember

Want to join the conversation.

• Upvote Button navigates to signup page
• Downvote Button navigates to signup page
• Flag Button navigates to signup page

Look up a word, learn it forever.

Problem solving.

• noun the thought processes involved in solving a problem see more see less types: show 14 types... hide 14 types... enquiry , inquiry , research a search for knowledge calculation , computation , figuring , reckoning problem solving that involves numbers or quantities nature study the study of animals and plants in the natural world (usually at an elementary level) experiment , experimentation the testing of an idea empirical research an empirical search for knowledge investigation , probe an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities canvass , opinion poll , poll , public opinion poll , survey an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people heraldry the study and classification of armorial bearings and the tracing of genealogies extrapolation (mathematics) calculation of the value of a function outside the range of known values interpolation (mathematics) calculation of the value of a function between the values already known conversion a change in the units or form of an expression: "conversion from Fahrenheit to Centigrade" approximation , estimate , estimation , idea an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth derivative , derived function , differential , differential coefficient , first derivative the result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx integral the result of a mathematical integration; F(x) is the integral of f(x) if dF/dx = f(x) type of: cerebration , intellection , mentation , thinking , thought , thought process the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
• noun the area of cognitive psychology that studies the processes involved in solving problems see more see less type of: cognitive psychology an approach to psychology that emphasizes internal mental processes

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement..

RWM102: Algebra

Solving Word Problems with Linear Systems

Read this article and watch the video. The article describes examples in which systems of equations can be used to solve real-world quantities. After you review, complete problems 1 to 4 and check your answers.

English Vocabulary for Problems and Defects

Improve your English vocabulary with pictures – learn 10 common English words for problems and defects: scratched, cracked, smashed, torn, ripped, crumpled, stained, chipped, dented, bent, burnt.

Want to increase your vocabulary & improve your fluency?

Image sources: 0 / 1 / 2a / 2b / 3 / 4 / 5a / 5b / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

You might also like...

100+ GRE Words: Advanced English Vocabulary List

100 English Words: Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs

Common Prefixes in English

Hi, I’m Shayna. I create courses helping English as a Second Language learners become more fluent in just a few minutes a day – so they can speak English naturally and confidently in work and daily life.

Doug Lemov's field notes

• Teaching & Schools
• Coaching & Practice

06.09.15 Active Practice: The Key to Vocabulary

Explicit Vocabulary instruction includes five steps:

• Careful and intentional selection of high-value words
• Framing of a definition that students can use and apply
• Guidance on ‘parameters of use,’ when and how a word occurs in language
• Active practice—time spent using the word in different settings and applications
• Maintenance and reinforcement

Of these, we believe the fourth step, active practice, is the most important. This may come as a bit of a surprise: its benefits are rarely plumbed but, as Isabel Beck et al. describe, practicing using words adeptly and accurately is the key to mastery.  We learn words by using them and seeing them over and over in different settings that are rich and challenging.  So a key part of vocabulary instruction is to put students in situations where they apply their nascent knowledge of a word. If we could make one small change to super-charge vocabulary instruction across American classrooms it would be to take the time teachers spend having students guess at word meanings and replace it with time spent using those words after having been given a definition.

This would mean replacing something like, “Who can tell us what ‘destitute’ means?” with first giving students a definition for destitute—“completely without the things needed to survive”—and asking questions in which students have to apply the word and its definition: “Who can tell me a situation that might cause someone who is rich to become destitute?”  “Good, could a person ever be destitute even if they still had money?”  “How is being destitute different from being poor?” “What’s a good way to help someone who is destitute?”

In each of these cases, the teacher would insist that the students use the word “destitute” in their answer, as in, “If you were shipwrecked on an island all by yourself with a trunk of money, you’d still be destitute, even though you’d have lots of cash.”

This process of active practice makes problem-solving a key part of vocabulary instruction. It merely places the problem-solving after a basic definition has been learned instead of asking students to make tenuous guesses of a word’s meaning, which often results in a subpar definition and surface understanding of a word. This switch results in making the problem-solving more rich and rigorous than in many typical vocabulary lessons (represented in diagram 1) where teachers spend time asking students to guess at a word’s definition, sometimes from context, sometimes from previous experience: “What does destitute mean here? Has anyone heard that word before?”

The idea is that this process is more rigorous than “just” telling students what a word means because they are problem solving. In fact, however, what students are doing is not always problem-solving. More often, they are guessing and that involves relatively low rigor, potentially only a few members of class, and can result in the perpetuation of mistaken ideas which can be just as easily be the ones students remember. In the second diagram, the definition comes early, but instead of just writing it down, students are asked to use it over and over and to problem-solve with it by applying it in various new settings. Because students start with a base of knowledge, this really is problem-solving and is likely to be both more rigorous and to result in greater mastery of the word because it results in students using and saying the word multiple times.

Again, time spent guessing a word’s meaning is far less productive than time spent using and applying the word’s meaning in increasingly complex situations, but the former tends to dominate what teachers do with new words. For example, consider whether it is more rigorous to have students answer the question, “What do you think clandestine might mean?” or something like, “How is clandestine similar to and different from  surreptitious ?” or “How could camouflage help you do something in a clandestine manner?  Could you use blaring noise to help you do something in a clandestine manner?  How?”

Active Practice to Master Meaning

Mastering meaning involves students using a word to illustrate its degree of meaning with fluidity, expertise, and a depth of understanding.  There are four different ways you could ask students to practice mastering meaning and they should be done both verbally and in writing:

• When a word would (and would not) apply. “Would it be accurate to say that Aunt Alexandra is acting like a tyrant in this scene? Explain.”
• Combining multiple new words: “Could a tyrant ever be humble? Tell me why or why not.”   
• Narrate the story:  “Can a group ever exert tyranny over another group? How? Explain how a group of people in To Kill a Mockingbird make decisions that are tyrannical?”
• Define a change: “How would it sound different if Scout said that Aunt Alexandra’s opinion was “indirectly stated” rather than “obliquely observed”? How is it different to state that Aunt Alexandra is being tyrannical as opposed to say ‘bossy”?

Active Practice to Master Usage

Asking students to practice correctly avoids students misapplying words incorrectly. It’s much harder to unlearn bad habits than it is to build new ones, so it’s a good idea to have students practicing a variety of uses. There are two ways to do this:

• Change the form: “In its adjective form we would say ‘tyrannical.’ Would Atticus agree that Aunt Alexandra is tyrannical?
• Create a sentence with the word and/or other parameters: “Write a sentence in which you describe Aunt Alexandra looking ‘obliquely’ at Scout. Be sure to describe what Scout has done to earn such a glance.”

It’s quite a common practice to ask students to create sentences with new words, but you’ll notice in the example above, that adding additional parameters adds rigor and helps to ensure that students are using a word correctly.

 Three Keys to Active Practice

Practicing incorrectly can sometimes do more harm than not practicing at all. When practicing, be sure that students are accurately applying the word. It is not uncommon for an eager student to lose the meaning of a word in his/her earnest attempts to apply the word wherever the definition seems to fit. Whether it’s active practice to master meaning or usage, there are three important keys to getting the most out of it.  The first is that you want to ensure that students actually use the new word in their answers (you would be surprised by how often we forget this!). What happens instead of using a new word is that student will use a sentence that describes a word instead.  For example, if a teacher asks a student to describe a time when they are sentimental, the student might start the sentence without using the word, “when I look at photo albums of my baby brother when he was little” – while that may demonstrate the meaning and accurate use of the word, unless the teacher pauses the student to revise their answer and use the word in their sentence, then the student doesn’t actually get practice with the word.

The second key to successful active practice is that you want students’ answers to illustrate their understanding of the word. We often hear students say something like “I detest broccoli.” Without further explanation, it’s not clear if they truly know what it means to “detest.” In this case, we want to push students a bit further to expand their sentences to illustrate the meaning of the word, as in “I detest broccoli because it’s bitter and doesn’t taste good.” Avoid questions that are mundane or obvious in order to ensure that students have to rigorously apply a word and its definition.  The result of simple fill in the blank questions, or only asking questions that ask students to use the word to describe their own experiences can have two negative outcomes.  The degree of the word may not match the context (e.g. “I was irate when my sister got ice cream before I did.”) because they match a simple fill-in-the blank formula or they may generate a surface level of understanding about a word (e.g., “I adore my teddy bear.”) without understanding its deeper meanings or connotations. Provide prompts that support students precise use of the word (e.g., “Write a sentence about why a mouse would likely despise a snake.” versus “Write a sentence using despise.”) or in which they combine similar words with slightly different meanings (e.g., “Write a sentence in which you describe something you dislike and something you detest.  Use ‘despise’ and ‘detest’ in your answer and illustrate how their meanings are slightly different.”) Asking these rigorous application questions increases the quality of their practice as well as deepens their understanding of the word and its definition.

The final key is that we also want to ask students to use different forms of the word so that they are able to practice using a word flexibly and deeply, and to consistently correct inaccurate part of speech or tense in their answers so that they are practicing using the word in its correct forms.  Do not accept for example, “The pond was scarce of water.”  If we accept incorrect forms of new vocabulary words during practice then students will most assuredly make those mistakes beyond the classroom.  Following these three keys of active practice can support teachers in asking students to rigorously apply their burgeoning vocabulary, and they are useful in giving feedback to students on their practice as they use new words and apply their meanings in a variety of contexts.

3 Responses to “Active Practice: The Key to Vocabulary”

Obviously, beginning a vocabulary lesson by asking “Who knows what ___ means?” is not a good use of time. But I would argue that giving an example of the word in context and having the students infer the meaning offers some advantages over simply giving a definition. First, it’s more rigorous that simply listening to a given definition. I understand the idea that you want teachers to follow the definition with more rigorous activities, but the entire vocabulary lesson should be rigorous. Also, it’s more typical of what happens in real vocabulary acquisition. We learn most of our vocabulary from context. When students learn how to use context to help them understand a word’s meaning, this is a skill that will help them learn words beyond the relatively few that are explicitly taught in the classroom. There is a strong research base suggesting that teaching students to infer from context is more effective than simply giving definitions.

This brings me to a concern that I have with your books. I love them. I read them and recommend them to others. But you never make use of the research that’s out there. Everything is anecdotes. Your books are great, but they could be even better if you would back up your opinions with research.

I do appreciate and benefit when supporting research is cited.

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

In order to pass the CAPTCHA please enable JavaScript

SEARCH OUR SITE

Masters of Words 4+

Daily word challenges await‪‬, devika kaushal, designed for ipad, screenshots, description.

Master the art of word puzzles! Challenge your vocabulary, solve daily puzzles, and climb the leaderboard. Become a word master today! Embark on an exciting journey with Masters of Word, the ultimate word puzzle game that challenges your vocabulary and problem-solving skills. Each day presents a new puzzle, allowing you to keep your mind sharp and maintain your winning streak for exciting rewards. With difficulty levels ranging from simple 3-letter words to complex 7-letter puzzles, there's a challenge for every skill level. Track your progress on the streak leaderboard and compete against friends and players worldwide. When you're stuck, use hints and explore detailed word definitions to expand your vocabulary. Enjoy a personalized gaming experience with customizable font sizes and a night mode option. Immerse yourself in the game with no ad interruptions. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned wordsmith, Masters of Word offers endless fun and challenges. Download now and master the art of word puzzles!

Version 1.2

Now supports previous versions of iOS as well!

App Privacy

The developer, Devika Kaushal , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Family Sharing

Up to six family members can use this app with family sharing enabled..