---
title: Phrases for Algebraic Operations
description: Students will identify key phrases in word problems to determine which operation should be used.
image: https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/phrases_for_algebraic_operations-001.png
---

**Subject: ESL/ELL (English Language Learning); Math**

**Lesson Length: 30 - 45 mins**

**Topic: Phrases for Algebraic Operations**

**Grade Level: 3, 4, 5, 6**

**Standards / Framework: **

- [CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.D.8](https://learning.ccsso.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Math_Standards1.pdf)
- [CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.3](https://learning.ccsso.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Math_Standards1.pdf)
- [WIDA: STANDARD 3](https://wida.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/resource/WIDA-ELD-Standards-Framework-2020.pdf)

 

**Brief Description:**  Students will identify key phrases in word problems to determine which operation should be used.

**Know Before You Start:** This lesson teaches signal words for addition and subtraction. You can adapt this lesson to address other algebraic operations as needed.

**Hook:**

- Read and discuss the first panel of the sample comic.

**Activity:**

- Continue reading panels two and three. As each panel is displayed, have students search for signal words that help them decide whether to add or subtract. 
- As students answer, add these words to a signal word T-Chart.
- Complete the same exercise for panels four, five, and six. 
- Display the chart as a reference.
- Have students create a word problem comic.
- Have students work in pairs to identify the signal word and solve the problem in the other's comic.

**Closure:**

- Remind students that it is important to look for signal words or phrases in word problems to determine whether they need to add or subtract.

**Differentiation:**

- Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
- Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.
- Adapt this lesson to the operation you want to target, e.g., multiplication, division, etc.

**Resources:**

- Comic to print or display: [Comic](https://share.pixton.com/qan0wwh).
- [T-Chart](https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/Printables/Graphic%20Organizers_02.pdf).

**Suggested Content:**

- [![](https://img.pixton.com/content-pack/2000163438120759296/thumbnail.png) Mall ](https://content.pixton.com/mall)
- [![](https://img.pixton.com/content-pack/1665077182017544192/thumbnail.png) Shopping ](https://content.pixton.com/shopping)
- [![](https://img.pixton.com/content-pack/1665077371444895744/thumbnail.png) Airport ](https://content.pixton.com/airport)

Assign Activity

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### [Distance Problems](https://ideas.pixton.com/distance-problems)

Students will interpret data to write and solve a real-world word problem involving distance.

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### [Solving Word Problems](https://ideas.pixton.com/solving-word-problems)

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

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### [Would You Rather?](https://ideas.pixton.com/would-you-rather)

Play a game of *Would You Rather* to create opinion comics with your students.