3 Tips for Teaching Multistep Word Problems

It's time to start teaching your elementary students multistep word problems. You are not alone if this thought makes you feel a little uneasy. Teaching multistep word problems is no joke! You know how difficult it can be to get students to read the problems, do the correct calculations, and formulate an answer for one step, much less multiple steps. But, what if I told you that you don't have to stress about teaching these important skills as much as you used to? Sounds great right? Check out my top 3 tips for teaching multistep word problems to help your students master this important skill! 

Why is Teaching Multistep Word Problems so Tricky? 

So, why is it that students tend to struggle when we introduce multistep word problems?  Well, there are several factors that can impact students when learning these types of problems. The biggest is that we have added a larger component of another very difficult skill to the mix: reading. 

Now along with figuring out a math problem, we have given them more words to read and comprehend. And even though we are conscious of the language used in the problems we present to our students, this can still trip them up. 

On top of adding more reading, multistep word problems also require more math. We are asking them to complete multiple operations to come to a correct answer instead of just adding or subtracting, multiplying, or dividing two stand-alone numbers. This jump can be hard! 

Finally, we ask them to put their answer into a complete sentence. Gone are the days of just spitting out a number as a correct response. 

So, essentially, multistep word problems combine reading, multiple mathematical operations, and writing. Some of the most difficult skills for our elementary learners! No wonder why teaching them feels like such a beast to tackle. 

Don't worry though! I am going to share my tips to help you make this process easier for not only your students but yourself as well. One of my biggest secrets though is using these print and digital word problem task cards! Pair these with the tips and your students are sure to be on their way to mastering multistep word problems!

Tip #1: Utilizing "I do, we do, you do" Practice 

If you haven't heard of "I do, we do, you do," I highly suggest using it throughout your teaching to help build independence for your learners! This setup happens to work perfectly for teaching multistep word problems. 

Since your students will probably not have a lot of experience with word problems like this, you want to begin by modeling how to complete the problem. This is the "I do" step of the practice. Modeling is key to helping students become masters at multistep word problems because it allows them to see the thought processes they should be using while solving the problems. 

When modeling, make sure to talk through each step you are taking and explain why you are doing it. For the best results, model several different types of multistep word problems for your students so that they can begin to see some of the variations in thinking that they might need to use. 

Once you feel like you have adequately modeled how to complete the problems, start the "we do" portion of the practice. In this part of the practice, students try solving a problem as a whole class or in small groups with your help. Your job during this time is to facilitate the completion of the problem. If students go astray, point them back in the right direction. If they have a question, stop and model the process more.

Finally, it is time for the "you do." This is where students independently practice solving the multistep word problems on their own. The idea is that they have seen it done, been helped while doing it, and should hopefully now feel more comfortable tackling it on their own. 

It is important to note that this isn't necessarily a linear process. You might have to go back to the "I do" and "we do" stages multiple times to reinforce concepts and help students towards true mastery. 

Tip #2: Highlighting Multistep Word Problems 

Like I've said before, multistep math problems pose quite a unique challenge for our elementary students. There is a lot for them to wade through to get the correct answer. That is why I teach my students the power of highlighting!

Since students will be dealing with multiple operations that they need to complete, I teach them to find the first operation they have to use and then highlight it in a specific color. I like using green with my students. Then depending on how the worksheet or task card is set up, they either write the operation they need to use or circle it. This can simply be putting the math sign such as +, -, or x. 

Then I have students continue to read the multistep problem and identify the second operation they need to complete. They highlight this sentence in a different color such as pink so that it contrasts from the first operation. Then, they record the operation they will need to complete. 

Once they know the operations, they have to identify the actual question that is being asked in the word problem. When modeling, I show students that this typically comes at the end of the problem, and I remind them to look for the question mark. They highlight the question in another color. 

By the time they are done highlighting, their problem should be filled with 3 different colors that point them to the specific information they need. Since the other words and information have been weeded out, this makes it much easier for them to focus on computing the correct answer. 

In fact, I love using this strategy so much, that I include it in my multistep word problem task cards so that other teachers can easily use it!

Tip #3: Practice, Practice, Practice 

This one might feel pretty obvious, but to truly help your students master multistep word problems, practice is key! In fact, since there is so much involved in just one problem, I recommend even more practice than you would normally present for a math skill. 

Remember students are tackling reading, multiple operations, and writing with these problems. Each of those skills needs time to develop, and the only way to do that is through practice.  But don't worry, more practice doesn't mean you necessarily have to make your multistep word problems lesson take up more days in the year.  Instead, think creatively about how you can weave this problem-solving practice into your day.

Give students 1 word problem a day as a math warm-up or as part of morning work.  Use a word problem as an exit ticket.  Create a problem-solving center as part of your math rotation.  If you take the idea of practice and take it down to 1 or 2 problems at a time, it is a lot easier to find little chunks of time in the day to weave in word problems.

But, I know what you are thinking. More practice equals more work for you. More problems to find or create, more worksheets to review and grade. I understand. Tackling a behemoth like multistep word problems is a lot of work. But I have something that can help take a little off your plate and help your students rock word problems!

Teaching Multistep Word Problems Just Got Easier! 

I may not be able to come help you grade all of that extra practice, but I can definitely help you provide it! Over the years, I have compiled numerous multistep word problems that are perfect for teaching your elementary students. I've converted them into printable and digital task cards so that you can use them no matter your style of teaching or your students' style of learning. Grab this Multi-Step Word Problems resource so that you have one less thing to think about when it comes to teaching this integral skill! 

This Multi-Step Word Problems resource includes an instructional Powerpoint so you can teach the steps and skills.  You also get lots of student practice problems in printable and digital formats.  All of the practice problems include reminders of the steps, to help students not only solve the problem but practice the process.

Helping you tackle one of the hardest math skills for your students is just... 

 My Kind of Teaching