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Problem Solving, STAAR, Math Facts…Oh My!

By: Mrs. Morris & Mr. Eames

What is problem solving?

It’s a critical process through which students are able to explore and understand mathematics. It is both the process and the goal for learning math.

It APPLIES to life situations.

4- Step Problem Solving

Understand the problem/ Read the story

Plan how to solve the problem

Carry out the plan/ Solve the problem

Look back/ Check for reasonableness

Step 1: Understand the problem/ Read the story

Do I see pictures in my mind? How do they help me understand the problem? Imagine the situation. What is going on in the story? Questioning K: What do you know for sure? W: What do I want to figure out, find out, or do? C: Are there any special conditions, rules, or tricks I have to watch out for? Make connections Math to Self: What does this situation remind me of? Have I ever been in

any situation like this? Math to World: Is this related to anything I’ve seen in Science, Social

Studies, etc. Math to Math: What is the main idea from mathematics that is happening

here? Where have I seen that idea before? What are some other math ideas that are related

Infer What inferences have I made?

KWC chart (Math Mat)What do you Know for sure?

What are you trying find out?

Are there any special Conditions? (Special rules? Tricks to watch out for? Things to remember?)

I know that

I’m trying to I need to

Show how you solved the problem using pictures, numbers, or words.

Step 2: Plan how to solve the problem

Ask: What representations can I use to help me solve the problem?

Which problem solving strategy will help me the most in this situation…which strategy would be most efficient?

Step 3: Carry out the plan/ Solve the problem

Work on the problem using a strategy that makes sense.

Ask: Does this strategy show me something I didn’t see before now? Should I try another strategy? Am I able to see any patterns, or infer any patterns?

Step 4: Look back/ check for reasonableness

Ask: Does my answer make sense for the problem? Is there a pattern that makes the answer reasonable?

What connections link this problem and answer to the big ideas of mathematics?

Sample ProblemsTerrell spent $306 on a television and 3 video games. He spent $243 on the television. Each video game was the same price. How much did Terrell spend on each video game?

Miguel took four sets of 24 pictures of his dog. In two of the sets, all of the pictures came out well. He did not like 5 pictures in each of the remaining two sets. How many pictures did Miguel like? Write a number sentence to show how you solved the problem.

Math Facts• Fact Fluency is a critical issue for many of

our students.

• We encourage practicing as much as possible, using the whole fact. “What is 7 x 8? 7 x 8 is 56.”

• You can practice in the car, while getting dressed, wherever you and your student have extra time.

Helpful WebsiteVisit the TEA Website to get helpful resources

for parents on how to help your student on the STAAR Tests.

This website has released test questions and other items to help you and your student prepare.

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/parents/