Solving Multistep Word Problems Using Manipulatives
SUBJECT:
Multistep Word Problems (mult. & div.)
DURING
BEFORE
TEACHERS:
Gwen Walton
STANDARD:
 4.OA.3 Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole
number answers using the four operations.
OBJECTIVE (EXPLICIT):
 I can develop and implement a strategy for solving a multistep word problem.
 I can use a variety of strategies to solve division problems.
 I can explain my reasoning when solving a multistep word problem.
EVIDENCE OF MASTERY (MEASURABLE):
Completed Problem Set
SUB-OBJECTIVES, SWBAT (SEQUENCED FROM BASIC TO COMPLEX):

KEY VOCABULARY:
MATERIALS: (per group)
Base Ten Blocks (20 units and 15 rods),
Colored Tiles (150), Unifix Cubes (150),
Cuisenaire Rods, paper, pencil
ENGAGE (MAKE CONTENT AND LEARNING RELEVANT TO REAL LIFE AND CONNECT TO
STUDENT INTEREST)
“If I had 10 pieces of gum to share equally with my friend, how many pieces would we each
get?”, “How do you know?”
TEACHER WILL:
STUDENT WILL:
 Provide materials to groups.
 Participate in discussion.
 Review understanding of
multiplication and division up to this
point (equal groups, equal shares)
 Set expectations for group work (use
manipulatives, draw/write
explanations, all group members
participate).
CO-TEACHING STRATEGY IF APPLICABLE
TEACHER WILL:
STUDENT WILL:
 Pass out problem sets.
 The students should be devising
their own approaches to solve the
 As you circulate, focus on which
problems.
strategies the students are using.
 Use manipulatives of their choice
 Determine which students you will
from those available.
ask to share. Remember that your
goal is to help students develop
 Once a problem is solved, they need
effective strategies; this is not a time
to draw and write an explanation.
to study the standard algorithm.
CO-TEACHING STRATEGY IF APPLICABLE
AFTER
TEACHER WILL:
STUDENT WILL:
 When most students have finished
 Share their strategies with the class
the problems, invite several to share
and a neighbor.
their strategies.
 Try to examine every type of
strategy used in the room. At this
point do not share the standard
algorithm.
 To close the lesson, ask students to
think about their favorite strategy
from today. The students could
discuss this strategy and why they
like it with a partner or they could
write their response in a journal.
CO-TEACHING STRATEGY IF APPLICABLE
Sharing Procedure
1. Display the student’s strategy. You may use a document camera or have the
student copy their work onto the board.
2. Ask the student to explain their reasoning for each step.
3. Ask questions to determine the student’s level of understanding, “Why did
you…”
4. Allow the class to ask the student questions about the strategy.
5. To ensure others are listening, have each student explain the strategy to a
neighbor.
6. Make any clarifying statements about the strategy.
7. Invite a new student to share a different strategy.
Questions to Pose:
• Why did you…?
• How is Sara’s strategy similar to Michael’s? How are they different?
• Where did you run into difficulty in your work? Why was it problematic?
• Why is it important that your strategies are accurate and efficient?
• Which strategy is most efficient? Which strategy is least efficient?
Possible Student Example:
There are 52 students in each lunch period. The students are
divided evenly between 4 tables. How many students eat at
each table?
First I took out 5 rods and 2 units to show 52. I made 4 groups
Multistep Problem Set
with 1 rod in each. Then I traded my 5th rod in for 10 units,
which gave me 12 units. Then I took my my 12 units and gave
3 to each of the 4 groups. So, each table haas 13 students.
Directions: Use your manipulatives to solve each problem. Then draw and write
an explanation for each solution.
There are 52 students in each lunch period.
The students are divided evenly between 4
tables. How many students eat at each
table?
There are 65 students sitting at 5 tables.
There is a tray of cookies at each table,
with 2 cookies for each student at the table.
How many cookies are on each tray?
Mrs. Jones has 30 students. She wants to
give each of them 4 pencils. Pencils are
sold in packages of 12. How many
packages will she need?
I have 112 downloaded songs. Each song
is about 3 minutes long. If they are divided
into 4 equal playlists, about how long is
each playlist (in minutes)?