Decodable Math Word Problems

Math word problems would be easy to teach if it weren’t for the… words. It’s a universal issue for students who read below grade level (and some who even read on grade level) to struggle with word problems. Introducing decodable math word problems! To level the playing field of word problems, we have made them decodable in two sets; CVC and CVCe

Decodable Math Word Problems

We know how important it is for students to solve word problems all year in all different areas of math content, but universally we see how much students struggle to read the word problems. By the time we help them through the words, they forget the numbers and operations. The more times through that we require students to read the problem the more disengaged they seem to become.

Decodable Math Trifolds

In my experience, we can put the same content on a plain worksheet or a folded booklet, and students will walk up and take the trifold or folded paper every time.  As busy teachers, we just know what works to engage our students. Rereading the problem on a new flap feels like I am reading something new. Pair this with different ways to organize and solve with each flap, and my darling dear, we have engaged mathematicians! Find them here CVC and CVCe.

Strategies for Solving

Variety is the spice of life and boy do we know that to be true for engaging students. Every decodable math word problem has strategies for students to use to solve. The content is scaffolded and organized so students use the information from the word problem to solve on each flap. Below are strategies and tools found for solving in the resource.

• five frame/ten frame/twenty frame
• number bond
• make a model
• number line
• tally marks
• count up
• count back
• missing addend
• missing subtrahend
• bar model
• act it out

Included in the Decodable Math Word Problems

Each trifold cover contains a word bank with orthography for introducing the words and decoding the first read. Underneath, students will find the word problem and a picture scene of the content of the decodable word problem. As students turn pages and open flaps, they engage with the problem in different ways. First students will organize the known information, then make models, and finally solve. Because students do these things throughout the 20 different trifold word problems, they become more familiar, accurate, and competent each time. Available CVC and CVCe.

• 5 addition (within 10) word problems
• 5 addition (within 20) word problems
• 5 subtraction (within 10) word problems
• 5 subtraction (within 20) word problems
• 2 addition and 2 subtraction word problems per vowel

Benefits of Using Decodable Math Word Problems

• reinforce reading and math
• interactive math application
• word bank with orthography
• multiple ways to solve
• strategies labeled and scaffolded
• repetitive pattern creates automaticity and accuracy over time
• decodable text makes it easy to focus on the math as well as the reading
• direct instruction mini-lessons
• guided practice
• teacher-led small groups
• stations
• homework
• independent work
• RTI support
• intervention
• data collection

More Word Problems

If you would like to see other ways we have taken on word problems through the years, be sure to read this post on word problems and strategies work mats for K-2.