Math Problem-Solving

 

Here is how I do problem-solving--

step by step, week by week:

 

Setting Up Math Problem-Solving Notebooks

Mathematician's Chair

Week 1: Getting to Know Our Notebooks

Week 2: Sharing During Mathematician's Chair

Week 3: Attributes and Sorting

Week 4: Attributes and Sorting, Part 2

 

So what exactly is math problem-solving?

 

When I was in school (Rubik’s Cubes and parachute pants were all the rage—you do the math), teachers taught us how to solve problems. (Sounds reasonable, right?) They would introduce a problem, show us step by step how to solve it, and then give us 20 others just like it to do on our own. All was good—until, that is, I ran across another kind of problem. I would try to solve that problem the same way, with the same “steps”—usually with disastrous results. I wanted everything to fit into a nice little algorithm, and if it didn’t, I was lost.

 

 
  

 

I have long since forgotten all of those steps and most of those algorithms. But I am very good at problem solving. I use my own strategies—I draw a picture, I guess and check, I work backwards. It isn’t always pretty, but it works.

 

That’s pretty much the model Larry Buschman advocates in his book, Share and Compare. As teachers, we do not teach or model solutions to a problem. We present the problem, and then guide the children through probing questions as they solve the problem themselves. There is no right or wrong way to solve the problem. Students are encouraged to try new strategies. Afterwards, students share their solutions in Mathematician’s Chair (and learn from each other).

 

A typical Share and Compare math lesson includes:

 

1. A Warm-Up activity: Students learn and practice math conventions.

2. The Problem-of-the-Day: Students solve the problem individually or in groups.

3. Mathematician’s Chair: Students share their solutions and give feedback to others.

4. Compare: Students compare their solutions, examining similarities and differences.

 

When I was first presented with this model, I was skeptical that kindergartners would be able to solve problems without modeling, or would be able to effectively communicate their solutions in a manner that would be helpful to others. But a year-and-a-half later, I’m coming around. It takes a lot of patience and persistence—on both the students’ and teacher’s part! But if you stick with it, I promise you will be convinced as well.

 

Comments

[Barb]

I also would love a list of your math questions. I am impressed!! Thank you so much.

[domen]

Great information here, thanks for sharing this valuable information!

[Lori]

Love your site and fun ideas. Just have an issue with everything with math being a "problem". Ever thought of switching that word out and use: sentence, equation, investigation...just a thought. Keep up the brilliant work!

[Abhi]

Love this too! Thanks!

[Julie]

Where do I find the math problems?? Can't seem to find them....just how to do the journals. Thanks.

[Diane Hill]

I absolutely love your efficiency in teaching. I am becoming a better teacher just by following your example!

Could you PLEASE write a blog on ASSESSMENTS? How do you capture students' reasoning when they can't write their own words yet? How do you demonstrate the progress in their thoguht process? I'm sure you have a really awesome way of handling this... please share it with us!

You are not only an amazing Kindergarten teacher, you are an invaluable teacher to us all!

[Brie]

Quite fantastic! Thanks so much!

[Beverly Saffold]

I love your ideas for the math notebook! I have taught 1st grade for 22 years and will be teaching kindergarten for the first time this year. Can't wait to use your ideas. Do you have a list of the questions you use in your journals? Thanks so much!

[to-do]

It's most compressive post. Thanks a lot for your nice thinks.

[Deer Valley Homes For Sale]

I’m really impressed the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Exceptional work!

[Deer Valley Homes For Sale]

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[Carrie Brownewell]

This is fantastic!!! Do you have any of these on TPT? I would buy all of them if you did!

[Jill Vreco]

I had to come back and read through your great problem solving ideas again tonight. I too was wondering where you get your questions from or if you have a list of some suggestions.

[Jody Brown]

love your ideas, and thank you for your sight.
I use you journal labels and now have my whole team going to you sight also

[Beth]

You are very generous and I appreciate the effort that you put into creating and sharing your ideas. Thank you.

[Suzie]

Love Love Love the notebooks!!! Launching this week in my classroom so excited!

[Carolyn Puricelli]

Just found your website. Love it! Perfect timing as I am working with our district in writing new math curriculum. Look forward to sharing your work with the committee. Thank you so much!

[Andrea]

Thank you for all your posts! Please add more for this new teacher (me!)... especially science :)

[taz]

i love ur ideas esp the abc sorting box veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyy creative - i had made individuals so children can play individually.

much more - (Y) great Job! keep up the great work

[Carla]

Great blog you have here. I particularly like your Math blogs, but I enjoyed your post on building a classroom library too- simple ideas, but I didn't think to sell old/unwanted books and replace them with treasures.