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Math Problem Solving [Book B]
5.0 (210 reviews)This resource is a set of 50 non-routine math problems that require students to utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills. Each and every problem is completely unique, and can be solved in multiple ways.The Importance of Problem SolvingIncorporating non-routine problem solving into your
- Grade
- Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6
- Subject
- Math
- Pages
- 98
- Answer key
- Included
- Teaching duration
- 3 Months
- Digital download
Description
This resource is a set of 50 non-routine math problems that require students to utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills. Each and every problem is completely unique, and can be solved in multiple ways.
The Importance of Problem Solving
Incorporating non-routine problem solving into your math program is one of the most impactful steps you can take as an educator. By consistently allowing your students to grapple with these challenging problems, you are helping them acquire essential problem solving skills and the confidence needed to successfully execute them.
This resource comes in three different formats:
1. Printables: These are full 8.5 x 11 pages that contain the problem, a “Problem Solving Check-List,” and a check-list to help guide students’ responses.
2. Task Cards: These contain just the problem and are formatted 4 to a page. They can be laminated and used in a center or for independent work.
3. Journal Strips: These contain just the problem and are formatted 4 to a page. They can be printed, cut apart, and glued into an Interactive Notebook or math journal.
The three different formats included make it simple for you to adapt this resource to meet the needs of your students. Instructional applications include: morning work/bell-ringers, independent work, math centers, cooperative learning, and whole-group instruction.
Minimal Teacher Preparation ~ Maximum Student Growth
I have also included DETAILED explanations and diagrams on how to solve each problem. The only preparation you’ll need to do is read the problem and my explanation; you’ll then be ready to facilitate some major “Brain Power” in your classroom! You will be amazed by the creative strategies and rich discussions that will take place among your students.
Brain Power Math: Non-Routine Problem Solving {Book A}
Check out these hands-on math resources:
Pattern Block Fraction Task Cards
Problem Solving with Pattern Blocks 1
Problem Solving with Pattern Blocks 2
Time to Tile: Equivalent Fractions
Time to Tile: Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions
Time to Tile: Adding and Subtracting
Time to Tile: Balancing Equations
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Please read: This is a nonrefundable digital download. Please read the description carefully and examine the preview file before purchasing.
© Copyright 2018 M. Tallman. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy pages specifically designed for student or teacher use by the original purchaser or licensee. This is intended to be used by one teacher unless additional licenses have been purchased. The reproduction of any other part of this product is strictly prohibited. Copying any part of this product and placing it on the Internet in any form (even a personal/classroom website) is strictly forbidden. Doing so makes it possible for an Internet search to make the document available on the Internet, free of charge, and is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Reviews
Showing 11–15 of 374 reviews
Not appropriate for beginning of the year
This is very hard for me to implement until almost the third quarter. Week one has decimals, and my fourth graders don't learn about decimals until the third quarter. It also jumps into division and bigger multiplication early. I wish it had a few weeks of third-grade review.
Affixes Resource Pack
This was not exactly what I was looking for for a supplemental resource for my 5th grade class.
Not a "spiral" review
I wanted to like this so much because it was exactly what I wanted. But, Week 1 already starts talking about coordinate grids and volume, standards that aren't covered until later on in the school year. I wish it was organized by the order the standards are taught throughout the school year instead of introducing end-of-year concepts in the first few weeks.
Great Activities, but Limited Direct Instruction
This resource is advertised as a week-long unit, but in practice it functions more like one day of direct instruction followed by several activity days. There is only one PowerPoint for teaching, with the remaining materials focused on practice.
I expected a more balanced structure with instruction and assessment spread across multiple days. For example, I was able to use the PowerPoint and the second day’s worksheet within a single class period, and the “scoot” activity worked well for a separate day. However, I’m unsure how I’ll incorporate the remaining sketch notes, which might have been more effective if directly integrated into the initial instruction.
One major area for improvement is alignment between instruction and assessment. The assessments and task cards include concepts like “to be” verbs and auxiliary verbs, but these are not introduced or modeled in the PowerPoint. This created confusion for my students and could easily be developed into an additional day of instruction.
Overall, the materials are well-designed and engaging, but the unit would benefit from more comprehensive instruction and clearer alignment between teaching and assessment.
This starts off Running
I thought the assessments would get progressively harder but I do not feel I could start these assessments with my students week 1. I may be able to start them mid year
Questions & Answers (7)
Have a question about this resource? Log in to ask a question.
Place a letter from A to H into each empty square in such a way that no letter repeats in any row or column. Additionally, identical letters may not be placed in disgonally touching squares.
Are you planning to make a Book C?
Hello, Serena! Thanks for asking. At this time, I don't have plans to make a Book C.
Brainpower b.12
B.17
For question B17. Is Harry a typo?
Yes, that should be Blake! Sorry about that. I have updated the resource.
Are these more difficult than Book A?
Hi Stacey,
Yes, they are slightly more challenging than Book A.
What about posting as an assignment on Google classroom?
Hi Kimberly! I am fine with that, since you are only sharing with your students privately on Google Classroom.:-)
