To figure out what a problem is asking — what you know, and what you don't know yet.
Example: Before computing, I ask: what is this problem really asking me to find?
Math is Ours
I can describe my problem-solving process, name strategies for getting unstuck, and identify the behaviors that make our class a community of math thinkers.
Speaking and writing goal: I can talk about problem solving using the phrases make sense of, get stuck, try a strategy, and work together.
What Your Child Is Learning
In this lesson, students practice how to describe my problem-solving process, name strategies for getting unstuck, and identify the behaviors that make our class a community of math thinkers. They learn to show their thinking with numbers, pictures, words, or a model. The goal is not just getting an answer. Students should be able to explain why the answer makes sense.
Why This Matters
This skill supports everyday problem solving with money, measurements, games, planning, and checking whether an answer is reasonable.
What It May Look Like In Class
Your child may use the interactive lesson, guided notes, examples from the board, partner talk, and short practice problems. They may be asked to solve, draw a model, label important numbers, and explain their reasoning in a sentence.
How You Can Help At Home
You do not need to teach a new method. Ask your child to read the problem out loud, circle the important numbers, and explain what they tried first. Helpful questions include: What do you know? What are you trying to find? Does your answer make sense?
Apoyo para familias en español
Qué está aprendiendo su hijo/a
En esta lección, su hijo/a practica resolver problemas y explicar su pensamiento. Puede usar dibujos, números, palabras o modelos para mostrar su pensamiento. Lo más importante es que pueda explicar por qué su respuesta tiene sentido.
Por qué es importante
Esta habilidad ayuda con dinero, medidas, juegos, planificación y con revisar si una respuesta es razonable.
Cómo puede ayudar en casa
No necesita ser experto/a en matemáticas. Pídale a su hijo/a que lea el problema en voz alta, marque los números importantes y explique su primer paso. Puede preguntar: ¿Qué sabes? ¿Qué necesitas encontrar? ¿Tu respuesta tiene sentido?
Key Vocabulary
A way of showing a problem — a drawing, table, equation, or model — that helps you see it.
Example: Drawing the bicycle rack instead of only imagining it.
A plan of attack for a problem — and something you can switch when you get stuck.
Example: When I got stuck, I tried thinking of a problem I had seen like this before.
To examine an idea and say what is convincing or not — about the idea, never about the person.
Example: We critique the ideas of others, not our classmates.
A rule the whole class agrees to so that everyone can learn together.
Example: We take turns when sharing ideas.
Try It Together
Pick one or two problems. Let your child explain the first step before opening the answer.
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Estimate first, then solve: 48 / 6.
Show answer
Estimate about 50 / 5 = 10; exact answer 8
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Explain one way to check an answer.
Show answer
Use the opposite operation, a model, or estimation.
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Write a number story for 12 x 3.
Show answer
Answers vary; for example, 12 rows of 3 chairs.
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What should you do if an answer seems too big or too small?
Show answer
Re-read the problem and check with an estimate.