It's not the math in the word problem...it's the reading!
- Jessica Kaminski
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
Word problems in math require more than just solving the problem. They demand strong reading comprehension skills and an application of the mathematics. Many students struggle with these problems not because of the math itself, but because they require understanding informational text and, in the case of multi-step problems, inferring. Both of these are higher level reading strategies that many of our developing readers are just now discovering. By incorporating specific reading strategies into math instruction, we can help students approach word problems with greater confidence and success.
Why is it such a challenge to read word problems?
Word problems require students to interpret informational text, identify key details, and determine what the problem is asking. Multi-step problems add an additional layer of complexity, requiring students to infer relationships between numbers and operations. As younger students are just developing their reading comprehension skills, informational word problems can seem like a challenging text to interpret. While older students who struggle with comprehension in reading are likely to struggle with solving word problems.
To support students, we can use the same skills we use during a reading lesson to target specific reading strategies that build comprehension and mathematical reasoning simultaneously. Here are two effective strategies to implement in the classroom.
Strategy #1: Read the Problems Without Numbers
How many students just focus on the numbers and begin trying to compute right away? These students don't pay attention to the details and race to just get an answer. To encourage students to slow down, have students read the problem with all numbers removed. You can cover them up with a sticky note or shape in a presentation. As you read it, refer to the missing number as "some" or "a few". This allows them to focus on the structure and context of the problem and models how they can read the problem aloud to themselves when working independently.
Present a problem to students with the numbers omitted. You can leave a blank or cover it up.
Ask students to act out what's happening in the problem. Could they draw a bar model or show their understanding? Point out what operation is being modeled. This is essential in helping students see they can solve it with whatever numbers are revealed.
Uncover the numbers and allow students to solve using their model. Encourage them to make any necessary adjustments.
By prioritizing comprehension first, students build confidence in understanding the relationships within the problem before engaging in computation. Encourage students to practice this strategy when they read regular problems with the numbers in them.
Strategy #2: Read the Problem Without the Question- I Notice, I Wonder
Another way to deepen comprehension is to present the problem without the final question. This encourages students to dive deeper and consider what's happening in the problem without jumping to finding a final answer.
Using the I Notice, I Wonder strategy from NCTM, students can make a chart and list all the things they notice about a word problem. This helps to draw students' attention to details they may missed. In another column of the chart, students can begin generating their own questions by telling what they wonder about. You will get a TON of interesting questions; some that can be answered and some that can't. Then, allow students to try solving them.
Present a problem with the question removed. This should be an interesting problem with lots of details.
Make a T-Chart on the board and title it: I Notice, I Wonder.
Challenge students to describe what they notice. List these under the I Notice section of the chart.
Encourage students to consider what questions they have about the problem. They may have questions that can't be answered by the problem (Why would a person by 2,500 bananas?). Include those anyway.
Ask students to walk through the questions and determine which can be answered. Then ask students to solve them and compare.
Try It Out!
Whether working on a lesson or just doing a 5-minute warm up each day, these strategies will strengthen students' reading comprehension. They seem incredibly simple but will have a lasting impact.
To help you implement these strategies, I’ve created a free activity featuring sample addition and subtraction word problems that you can use to model these techniques with your students. Download it by entering your info below and start building strong reading comprehension skills in math today!
While this is just some addition and subtraction practice, stay tuned for the next version that has multiplication and division!
If you are looking for more structured practice, consider my Problem Solving Handbook for Addition and Subtraction or Problem Solving Handbook for Multiplication and Division. These walk through three levels of word problems moving from the concrete to a 2-step problem with video of me modeling each problem. These are a game changer if you are needing to boost word problem skills.
Don't forget to check out the related blog posts below for even more freebies including bar model posters and numberless word problems.