Bulletin Board Posters for Solving Any Math Word Problem

Do your students need additional support when solving math word problems? These math bulletin board posters guide students to solve any math word problem seen in elementary, middle or high school. The posters are written in simple language so that all students can access the information. 

 

There are 5 steps outlined in the solving process:

 

Step 1: UNDERSTANDING

This step asks students if they understand what is being asked of them to solve and if they understand all of the vocabulary in the word problem.

 

Step 2: PROCESSING

This step asks students if they are able to restate the problem in their own words, if they can draw a picture, if they can make an easier example, and if it's possible to add their own name into the word problem. This always seems to make word problems easier!

 

Step 3: PLANNING

In this step, students make a plan to solve their word problem. Strategies include writing an equation, using reasoning, making a list, finding a pattern, etc.

 

Step 4: SOLVING

This step asks students to go ahead with their plan, and if their plan fails to try a new plan. Most important is staying persistent.

 

Step 5: LOOKING AHEAD

This final step asks students to think ahead to when they might see a similar problem and to consider what approach might be best then.

 

A color version and a black & white version of the posters are included. A title that reads "Word Problems" is also included. Two of the posters are larger than a sheet of paper so get cut and taped together. There is a guide inside the PDF showing how to do this.