Math and Problem Solving
Math and problem solving become more approachable when children can see, touch, and talk through their thinking, using strategies that make abstract concepts more concrete. This collection of hands-on techniques supports stronger number sense, flexible thinking, and a deeper understanding of how to approach and solve problems.
Use Manipulatives
What it is:
Using physical objects to help your child understand math.
How to do it:
- Give your child objects like blocks, coins, or counters
- Use them to model the problem
- Move the objects to solve it
Why it works:
It makes math visible and easier to understand.
Draw It Out
What it is:
Using drawings to represent a math problem.
How to do it:
- Have your child draw the problem
- Use pictures, dots, or boxes
- Solve using the drawing
Why it works:
It helps your child see the problem instead of just thinking about numbers.
Number Line Strategy
What it is:
Using a number line to solve problems.
How to do it:
- Draw a number line
- Start at the first number
- Move forward or backward to solve
Why it works:
It helps your child understand how numbers relate to each other.
Say the Steps Out Loud
What it is:
Talking through each step while solving a problem.
How to do it:
- Have your child say what they are doing
- Explain each step as they go
- Finish the problem
Why it works:
It helps your child stay organized and understand their thinking.
Estimate First
What it is:
Thinking about a rough answer before solving.
How to do it:
- Ask your child what the answer might be
- Solve the problem
- Compare the estimate to the actual answer
Why it works:
It helps your child check if their answer makes sense.
Solve Two Ways
What it is:
Solving the same problem using two different methods.
How to do it:
- Solve the problem one way
- Try a different method
- Compare the answers
Why it works:
It builds flexibility and deeper understanding.
Break Apart Numbers
What it is:
Splitting numbers into smaller parts to make problems easier.
How to do it:
- Break a number into parts (for example, 8 = 5 + 3)
- Solve using the parts
- Put the answer together
Why it works:
It makes complex problems easier to manage.
Count On Strategy
What it is:
Starting from a number and counting up instead of starting from 1.
How to do it:
- Start with the larger number
- Count up the smaller number
- Find the answer
Why it works:
It is faster and builds number sense.
Work Backwards
What it is:
Starting from the answer and working back to the problem.
How to do it:
- Look at the final result
- Think about what steps would lead there
- Solve backwards
Why it works:
It helps your child think logically and understand the structure of problems.
Show Your Thinking
What it is:
Writing or explaining how a problem was solved.
How to do it:
- Have your child write or say their steps
- Include drawings or numbers
- Explain how they got the answer
Why it works:
It helps your child understand their process and catch mistakes.
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