Math Word Problems
Generations of students have hated math word problems. They can be especially tricky for your child for four reasons.
Word problems require reading.
Word problems have key words that tell which operation to use.
Many word problems involve multiple steps (requiring the solution of more than one problem to get the final answer).
Word problems use math facts for computation.
If your child has a great deal of difficult reading word problems in math, read them out loud while he follows along.
Recognizing Math Words
Have your child circle the words that tell which operation to use. Make a list of these words for your child to use later.
ADDITION WORDS
In all
The sum of
All together
The total
SUBTRACTION WORDS
How many more
How many less
The difference
How many left
Before he begins his homework, review the math words and which operation they represent.
Follow the Example
In general, children avoid math book examples. This is especially true of many children with learning disabilities. The wording with the examples is often confusing and difficult to read.
Fact
Children with ADD or ADHD can be frustrated with the steps involved in math. They often just want to get the work done. Break an assignment into smaller parts (only a few problems at a time) to keep your child focused. Switch to another assignment or take a break before starting the next set of problems.
The examples are obviously there for a reason. When he is stuck, have your child look over the examples (disregarding the words). Have him follow the steps or pattern to complete similar problems.
Read, Draw, Reread, Compute, Reread, Check
Ask your child to read the problem aloud. (Or read the problem as your child follows along.) Reread it, stopping at the first point that requires action. Here is an example:
Mary plants a garden that is in the shape of a rectangle.
Stop and have your child draw a rectangle to represent the garden.
It is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide.
Stop and have your child label the sides of the garden.
How many feet of fencing in all will she need to go around the entire garden?
Ask your child to identify the key math words in all. Ask which operation the words represent — addition.
Have your child compute the answer. What is the problem asking? Add a label word — feet.
Reread the entire problem. Have him check his work.
Following all of the steps, showing the work, adding a label, and checking for math errors are all important tasks.
