Let’s Frame It!!!

Math has been regarded as an abstract subject in schools .Right when the children start finding the numbers friendlier,the ‘word problem’ becomes their villain.Few find it difficult to read the problem and few find it difficult to understand the statement as to add or subtract or divide or multiply.

When given a word problem orally the students find it easier to solve and few are able to respond orally.

Word problems are the ones that forms the base for the students to think logically as they move to higher classes.Word problems will become the major part of their study.

It is really important for us to ensure that the students are able to put the numbers in the form of statement and vice versa which in turn will help them relate math easily to the real life.

At the elementary level we can ask the students to check for keywords like ‘total,left,sum,difference’ to identify whether to add or subtract.At the secondary level i.e. from grade VI and above,“what can be done apart from recognizing the key words? “is the usual question that arises.

I used a different yet a simple technique.I created a set of clue cards for each word problem.The clue card contains one or two words and numbers of the problem.A set of 4 to 5 students were called and the students were asked to choose one bundle and discuss among their friends and come up with the statements to solve the word problem.This process will enhance peer learning,team work and most importantly the idea to frame a word problem and its corresponding statement.

Materials Required :

• Thick cardboard
• sketch pens
• Color papers.
• Scissors
• Glue

Procedure:

• Cut the cardboard into 4 or 5 parts in any desired shape.I had taken a square to keep the cards simple.
• select a set of word problems and split them into keywords and numbers and write down each number and key word in each card.
• Shuffle the cards and keep it ready.Call out a group and ask them to select one set of cards and solve the same.
• The faster the group solves the problem the more will be their scores.

Hope everyone liked this idea.Please try it in your classrooms or with yours kids and please let me know your suggestion and feedback in the comments below.

Thank you and have a great day!