Patience and Practice are the two key points of focus!

Maths word problems are difficult for children to solve because they require the ability to analyse data and extract only the relevant information. Instead of being told what operation they need to perform, they must figure it out for themselves before they can begin to solve the problem. As a result, children frequently struggle to solve word problems correctly, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction with their work.

Word-Problem-Solving Techniques for Kids

There is no quick fix for helping children understand word problems, but there are a few strategies and pointers that can help. If your child is having trouble solving word problems, consider the following strategies.

• Highlighting: Important information should be highlighted with highlighters. Word problems can be intimidating, but you can help your child deconstruct them by highlighting only the parts of the problem that are relevant to them. Teach them to underline important numbers and phrases in maths problems so they can concentrate on what’s important and ignore the rest.

• Extracting Information: The numbers must be removed from the equation. It’s important to remember that word problems are difficult not because of the maths involved, but because children have trouble extracting the correct information from them. Make a word problem for your child with the numbers blotted out. After they’ve finished reading it, ask them whether it’s a multiplication, division, addition, or subtraction problem.

• Visualisation: You can use visuals to help children remember the word problems. Yes, this is an extremely useful tool for teaching maths word problems. For a word problem involving toffees, for example, give them toffees and ask them to visualise the problem with them. They find word problems to be simple to solve and enjoyable to work with.

• Work In A Stepwise Manner: The majority of the children require a system to follow. As a result, we recommend that you teach them a simple strategy for solving word problems. Please make certain that the strategy you choose is less perplexing and easy to comprehend for them. Here’s an example of a math word problem plan: As a first step, have them read the question and consider what it means. Second, have them reread the question and make sure they understand what it is asking. The third step is to plan your approach and consider the best solution. Fourth, after deciding which operation to use, begin solving the problem. Finally, double-check your work to ensure that your math calculations are correct.
• Practice: “Practice makes perfect!” is a phrase you’ve probably heard before. While many children find word problems challenging, repeated exposure is the only way to improve competence. It’s simple to find printable math worksheets on the internet thanks to a plethora of online resources!

• Worksheets in PDF format are convenient because they are widely available and accessible, even during school breaks and weekends. If your child needs more practice with word problems, they can easily be found online, regardless of the homework, your child brings home daily.

• Such resources can also be found on websites like SpeEdLabs.in

Word problems are difficult, and many children have become frustrated as a result! But have no fear: with enough practice and the right techniques, your child will be able to master maths word problems and improve their problem-solving abilities! Allow for breaks and variety in your child’s studies by working at their own pace.

Things to do: Next time when your children are solving word problems

1. Read word problems several times slowly and carefully to ensure that all students understand.
2. Break the problem down into smaller chunks if possible.
3. Allow students to act out word problems to better understand what they’re being asked to do.
4. To assist students in visualising the problem, provide manipulatives.
5. Take field or walking trips to determine distances, speeds, and the area covered, among other things.
6. To figure out percentages, differences, and higher-order math skills, have students complete surveys, interviews, and hands-on research in real-world situations.
7. Allow students to create diagrams or drawings to aid in their understanding of problems.

Key Takeaways 

You must recognise that word problems are a significant departure from traditional math problems, and that these problems necessitate the development of a different set of skills in children with proper guidance. As a result, as a teacher or parent, you must assist students in honing their critical thinking and analytical skills through constant practice so that they can succeed in a variety of word maths problems.

Also published on Medium.