Learning Center
Education insight for parents
Worrisome word problems
W
hy are mathematical word problems worrisome for children?
Word problems take math concepts, such as arithmetic, geometry and algebra, and relate them back to the real world. But somehow, in the conversion from numbers and symbols to the written word, even students adept at math can become confused and discouraged. In fact, children often find it easier to solve a problem that explicitly asks them to multiply two numbers rather than tackle a word problem that requires the same mathematical skills. In addition to knowledge of core math concepts, word problems also require strong reading comprehension skills. Before a child can solve a word
problem, he needs to be able to translate the problem into a math equation. Once a child deciphers a word problem and is able to convert it into a simple equation, most students can easily calculate the answer. Unfortunately, determining the right equation is often the most challenging part of problem-solving. By applying reading comprehension skills to their math homework, students are better able to solve word problems correctly.
to demonstrate how everyday activities incorporate core math skills. Parents can make it easier for their children to understand word problems by making math a part of their child’s daily life. By by showing how math skills and concepts are involved in real-life situations, you can help children learn to use math in practical ways.
Patrick McNamara
A child’s ability to understand the language in word problems influences his or her ability to solve them. One of the best ways to help children learn math and make it more enjoyable is
Students must first have a good understanding of the basic math principles that each word problem utilizes. For example, if a child struggles with basic division, then a word problem that involves division will also be difficult to solve. Get to the root
of the problem first, and then work on a solution. Because solving word problems require good reading comprehension skills, if parents find that their child continues to struggle with word problems, notwithstanding good efforts and a grasp of the underlying math concepts, parents should consider getting their child’s reading comprehension skills assessed. What appears to be a problem with math may in fact be a struggle with reading comprehension. Parents can help their children approach word problems with more confidence by offering tips and suggestions for tackling them. Encourage children to draw pictures and look for key words that indicate certain
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