Word Problems Lesson Plan: Operations and Algebraic Thinking
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This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP topic Word Problems, and supports the standard of representing and solving multi-step word problems using the four operations. Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of projects.
Step 1: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
Ask students:
- What do you think is the first step to solving a word problem?
- What do you like about word problems? What do you dislike?
Step 2: BUILD BACKGROUND
- Read the description on the Word Problems topic page.
- Play the Movie, pausing to check for understanding.
- Have students read one of the following Related Reading articles: “Real Life” or “Q&A.” Partner them with someone who read a different article to share what they learned with each other.
Step 3: ENGAGE
Students express what they learned about word problems while practicing essential literacy skills with one or more of the following activities. Differentiate by assigning ones that meet individual student needs.
- Make-a-Movie: Produce a movie about a real-life problem that answers this question: How could you solve this like a word problem? (Essential Literacy Skill: Summarize key details)
- Make-a-Map: Analyze the text of a word problem by identifying which operations to use based on key words and details. Then, solve the problem. (Essential Literacy Skill: Cite specific evidence to support conclusions drawn)
- Creative Coding: Code a word problem and challenge a classmate to solve it. (Essential Literacy Skill:Acquire and use domain specific words and phrases)
Step 4: APPLY & ASSESS
Apply: Students complete the Word Problems Graphic Organizer, applying essential math skills.
Assess: Wrap up the lesson with the Word Problems Quiz.
Step 5: EXTEND LEARNING
Related BrainPOP Topics: Deepen understanding of operations and algebraic thinking with these topics: Order of Operations, Problem Solving Using Tables, Equations with Variables, and Two-Step Equations.
Additional Support Resources:
- Pause Point Overview: Video tutorial showing how Pause Points actively engage students to stop, think, and express ideas.
- Modifications for BrainPOP Learning Activities: Strategies to meet ELL and other instructional and student needs.
- BrainPOP Learning Activities Support: Resources for best practices using BrainPOP.