A story problem becomes easier to discuss when children can move the objects in the story. Use fall picture counters to act out what changes, then connect that action to the numbers in an equation.
At a glance
Show the starting amount, act out the change, and ask what the story wants you to find.
1. Read for the situation
Read the story aloud and ask what it is about. Ask which quantity children know first before putting any counters on the mat.
2. Show what changes
Add counters when objects join the group or move them aside when objects leave. For a missing change, compare the starting group and the final group.
3. Check with a second model
Try a ten-frame or a cube row after the picture model. Ask what stayed the same and what looks different in the new model.
4. Match the equation to the story
Point to each quantity as you say what its number represents. If the unknown is the change, leave that spot open while children explain it.
5. Use a short follow-up problem
Change the objects and keep the problem type. Let children point, draw, or explain before they record the number.
A classroom example
In a fictional small group, Inez sees five apples and adds two when the story says two were taken away. Her teacher asks her to act out the action with the pieces. Inez moves two aside and counts three left.
Companion printable
The 70-page PDF includes 64 worksheets covering four problem types within ten, along with a teacher guide and answer pages.
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