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    Solving Word Problems

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    Subject: Math

    Lesson Length: 30 - 40 mins

    Topic: Operations and Algebraic Thinking; Multiplication/Division Word Problems

    Grade Level: 4

    Standards / Framework:

    Brief Description: Students will use key words to solve word problems using multiplication and/or division and create a problem solving comic.

    Know Before You Start: Students should have some understanding of how to use keywords to solve multiplication and division word problems.

    Comic 1

    Comic 2

    Hook:

    • Review keywords and/or phrases to look for when solving multiplication and division word problems.
    • Discuss Coach Kai’s word problem in Comic 1.
      • Which key words or phrases will help them decide which operation to use? 
      • Solve the problem as a class. (Show panels three and four for the solution).

    Activity:

    • Have students create a two-panel comic describing how they solved Coach Mel’s cone problem in Comic 2. In the comic, students should explain:
      • Panel 1:
        • Which keywords and/or phrases indicate the needed operation.
        • Which operation they’ll need to use (multiplication or division.)
      • Panel 2:
        • A caption showing the equation they’ll use with a symbol for the unknown value.
        • An explanation of how they solved the problem.
        • The answer to the problem.

    Closure:

    • Have students share their comic with a partner. The partner will determine if they agree with the method and solution of the problem.

    Differentiation:

    • Scaffold independent work by choosing one sample problem for students working below grade level to complete in pairs or groups.

    • Provide visuals or examples of multiplication vs. division word problems.

    • Provide an option for students to write and solve their own multiplication and/or division word problem using the same process as above. Students who write their own should create comics that include a minimum of four panels. 

    ELL Support: 

    • Allow students to work in pairs.

    • Provide sentence frames as needed.

    • Allow students to write their comics in their home language.

    • Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.
    • Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.

    Resources:

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