Step 4 Objective

Identify and use the appropriate operations (including combinations of operations) to solve word problems involving numbers and quantities, and explain methods and reasoning.

Examples of what pupils should know and be able to do

Probing questions

What clues do you look for in the wording of the problem to decide which operation(s) you need to use?

Could you solve the problem another way? Which is the most efficient?

What if pupils find this a barrier?

Model the process of solving word problems. Focus on vocabulary and how words relate to operations.

Encourage pupils to look at the numbers to decide on an appropriate way of calculating - mentally or using written methods.