Step 1- Read The Problem and Think What is the problem all about? What is the math I need to know? What is the question that needs to be answered? Step 2- Think and Plan What information from the problem is used to solve the problem? What strategy can I use to solve the problem? (Make a list; Draw a picture; Solve the problem using numbers that are easier to work with; Use concrete materials; Use a known fact; Guess and Check?) How can I organize my thoughts as I solve the problem? (Make a list; use a graphic organizer; make a chart or table) Step 3- Solve Use the strategies you planned to solve the problem Step 4- Look Back Does the answer make sense? Is the solution mathematically reasonable? Can I prove the answer in another way?