By second grade, most students have a strong enough grasp on reading to be able to begin solving basic word problems. When word problems are introduced in math class, some students are thrown for a loop. If your student is struggling with 2nd grade math word problems, these three problems might be the reason.
Reading Challenges
For 2nd grade math word problems, students must employ both their knowledge of math and their ability to read. Second graders are still very young readers, and some will still struggle with basic reading. If they cannot read the problem, they cannot solve it. If your child’s reading is weak, then this may be the foundation of the problem he is having with word problems.
Inability to Determine the Operation
For strong readers, making the switch from the written word to a math problem can also be a challenge. These young readers can read and comprehend the words, but they cannot tell what they are supposed to do with the words they read.
For students who have this type of struggle, teaching some basic strategies can help. For example, tell the students to follow the C.U.B.E. method. This is:
- C – Circle the numbers
- U – Underline clue words
- B – Box the question
- E – Eliminate unnecessary information
Using this method, the student will first identify the important things by circling numbers and underlining clue words, such as “add” or “more than.” Many students will be able to solve the problem once they can see these important details. However, this strategy goes a step further for those who can’t. It also asks them to box the question, so they know what they are supposed to be doing, and then eliminate, or cross out, unnecessary information. They are left with the bare bones that should tell them exactly what to do.
Poor Knowledge of Clue Words
Strategies like the C.U.B.E. method only work if the student knows clue words well. Clue words are words used in 2nd grade math word problems that show the student what they are supposed to do. In second grade, these are fairly simple and are divided into addition and subtraction terms. Here are some common terms:
