Students struggling with word problems?
These word problem puzzles within 20 aim to scaffold students’ understanding of word problems. This resource relies on reducing cognitive load for students. As they read word problems (already challenging for so many of our 1st graders!) and make sense of the visual models, they see multiple examples of word problems within 20 modeled. This helps scaffold what common phrases in word problems mean, and gives them ideas on how to draw their own models when they solve word problems later on.
When completing these puzzles, students should first read the word problem piece. Then, they decide if the problem indicates addition or subtraction. After that, they should check the visual models to see if the operation and quantities match the word problem. This ensures they apply common word problem phrases.
Differentiation:
- 1 star: 1-step addition and subtraction word problems within 20
- 2 stars: 2-step addition and subtraction word problems within 20
Note: Both 1-star and 2-star levels begin with addition and subtraction within 20, and gradually increase to 20 throughout the level.
**Includes: **
- 28 word problem puzzle cards
- 2 difficulty levels
- Teacher notes with suggested use
**Targeted Skills: **
- Solving addition and subtraction word problems within 20
- Matching word problems to picture models
- Identifying whether a quantity is getting bigger or smaller via the language in a word problem
- Interpreting common word problem language, such as altogether, how many more, and how many are left
- Building number sense through visual modeling
Recommended Use:
- Math centers
- Small group instruction
- Partner work
- Independent practice
- Intervention, especially for ESL / ELL students who need support with language
- Review of addition and subtraction within 20
**Recommended Grades: **
- 1st Grade for whole class instruction
- 2nd Grade for students who need intervention / additional support
These puzzle cards are partially designed to help ESL / ELL students connect word problem language to meaning. Often, word problems are the hardest part of Math for many of my students, and as the language isn’t naturally used socially so often, this kind of repeated practice is very helpful for them.
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£2.80