Solving

Word
Problems
Second Grade Math 60 minutes Standards: 2.OA.A.1

by Sabrina LeBlond August 2, 2015

Word problems getting you down? Then, spread the word on a lesson that will help students
decide when to add or subtract, as they identify clue words that aid in solving word problems.

Learning Objectives
Students will be able to use addition and subtraction to solve word problems.

Materials and Preparation

You Can, Toucan, Math: Word Problem-Solving Fun by David A. Adler
Lined paper
Pencils
Carnival Count worksheet
Math Ninja worksheet
Multi-Step Addition worksheet
Monster Word Problems worksheet

Key Terms: Attachments
word problem

PDF PDF PDF PDF

Carnival Multi-Step Math Ninja Monster Word

Count Addition Problems

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Lesson
Introduction (10 minutes)
Create a scenario to introduce the concept of word problems. Example: I am going to the
local zoo and I plan on bringing 11 students with me. Six more students want to join us.
How many of us are going to the zoo?
You can have students come to the front of the class in these denominations if you would
like.
Go over the answer to your created problem.
Repeat the activity with a different word problem.
Call on different students to answer the problem to promote class participation.
Tell students they became a part of a word problem. Ask students to reflect on what word
problems are and have a class discussion. Remind the class that a word problem is a
situation explained in words that can be solved using math.

Explicit Instruction/Teacher Modeling (10 minutes)

Read You Can, Toucan, Math aloud.
During the read aloud, have students identify the operations that are being used for
individual word problems. Ask students what clues from the text led them to their answer.
Write these word clues on the board. Example: addition = join, together, more; subtraction =
difference, went away, less.
Present and read aloud the following word problem: “Six second graders turned in their
homework early. Five more students rushed to the homework bin and turned it in. How
many second graders turned in their homework?”
Ask students to identify the mathematical operation in the word problem and to identify the
clue word that led them to their answer.
Repeat with a subtraction word problem example.

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Guided Practice/Interactive Modeling (10 minutes)
Give each student a sheet of lined paper.
Display the following word problem: "11 new library books were added to the bookshelf. 4
of the books were checked out by the end of the day. How many new library books
remain?"
Ask students to solve the following word problem on their paper. Have students explain in
writing how they solved the problem. Review student explanations.
Display a second word problem: "Four students were waiting in the nurse’s office, and three
more students came in. Two were treated by the nurse and returned to class. How many
students are waiting to see the nurse?"
Have students solve and explain word problem #2 on their paper. Review student
explanations.
Remind students to look for clue words and important details when solving word problems.
Ask students to write their own addition or subtraction word problem. Allow students to
share aloud and provide student feedback.

Independent Working Time (10 minutes)

Pass out the Carnival Count worksheet.
Ask students to show their thinking when completing the worksheet.
Monitor students while they are working, and assist students who need extra support.

Extend
Differentiation
Enrichment: For students who need an extra challenge, provide the Math Ninja worksheet.
Support: For students needing support, provide and go through the Monster Word
Problems worksheet in a small group setting.

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Review
Assessment (10 minutes)
To check for understanding, monitor the classroom as students are solving and writing their
own word problems.
Check the correctness of student worksheets.
Assign the Multi-Step Addition worksheet to assess your students' understanding.

Review and Closing (10 minutes)

At the end of the lesson, check and review the in class assignment.
Review any missed problems, and show how to solve for better understanding.
Ask students to share what they learned in today’s lesson.
Introduce the Fish Bowl Addition game to students as a way to practice solving word
problems at home.

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