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:
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:
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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.
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As students answer, add these words to a signal word T-Chart.
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Complete the same exercise for panels four, five, and six.
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Display the chart as a reference.
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Have students create a word problem comic.
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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.