Subject: Math

Lesson Length: 30 - 40 mins

Topic: Operations and Algebraic Thinking; ​​Multi-Step Word Problems Using The Four Operations

Grade Level: 4

Standards / Framework:

Brief Description: Students will explain the solution of multistep word problems using the four operations.

Know Before You Start: Students should have prior experience solving multistep word problems using the four operations. This lesson is a perfect formative assessment.

Hook:

  • Discuss solving word problems.
    • How do you know which operation(s) to use?
    • Which keywords do you look for? 
  • Discuss how to know when a word problem requires multiple steps to solve.
    • Look for hidden questions.
    • Determine if all of the information needed to solve the problem is present in the word problem.

Activity:

  • Display or distribute copies of the sample comic.  
    • Have students choose either sample problem A or B. 
    • Have students explain the steps and operations needed to solve either problem in a three-panel comic.

Closure:

  • Have students choose a partner who selected the same problem.
  • Have students compare their process and solutions to determine whether they agree and they are reasonable.

Differentiation:

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

  • Provide step-by-step directions for solving multistep word problems.

  • Provide sentence stems, “First I ___. Next, I ___. Then I ___. Last, I ___.”

Resources:

  • Comic to print or display:  Comic.

Suggested Content Packs:

Suggested Story Starters: