17 Hacks for Teaching Kids to Use Steps to Solve Math Problems

Spread the love

Are you looking for hacks for teaching kids to use steps to solve math problems? If so, keep reading.

1. Give the learner written reminders of task sequences.

2. Put all math problems involving the same steps together on a single line, on a separate sheet of paper, etc.

3. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the learner to hurry and fail to follow the appropriate steps in math problems.

4. Complete the first problem or two of a math assignment with the learner so they will know that steps to use.

5. Praise the learner for following the appropriate steps in math problems : (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, free homework pass, passing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., handshake, praise, smile, etc.).

6. Select a peer to work with the learner while they learn to follow the steps in solving math problems.

7. Teach and give practice with various strategies to remember steps in a task: • repetition, • mnemonic, • acronym, and • association.

8. Utilize a separate piece of paper for each type (e.g., addition, subtraction, etc.) of math problem. As the learner shows success, slowly introduce various types of problems on the same page.

9. Utilize large colored arrows to indicate where the learner should begin to work problems.

10. Utilize written/oral repetition to aid the retention of information.

11. Utilize visual signals (e.g., stop signs, red dots, etc.) to signal when the learner must change operations while solving a multi-step math problem.

12. Utilize written reminders next to math problems to indicate that step is to be done. As the learner shows success, slowly lessen the use of reminders.

13. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled for the task is sufficient.

14. Get the learner to use vertical lines or graph paper to help them keep math problems in the correct columns.

15. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

16. Try gamifying your math lessons.

17. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

10 Apps to Teach Preschoolers Math

20 Math Apps for Students of All Ages

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Interactive Math for the Google Classroom