Understanding math is not just about numbers; it is also about words. If your child gets frustrated just reading a math question before even trying to solve it, you’re not alone. Many students struggle with solving math word problems.
This is especially true when it comes to word problems. The numbers might be simple, but what about the wording? That’s where kids get confused. Don’t just read math questions; understand them.
In this post, we’ll explore 5 Effective Strategies for Solving Math Word Problems, all classroom-tested, for supporting students who struggle with solving math word problems.”
Use Visual Aids and Step-by-Step Breakdowns
Kids often get confused by long word problems. But when we show the problem visually, it becomes easier to understand.
Draw it out: If the question is about apples being added or taken away, draw apples!
Break it down with boxes or arrows: show how each sentence adds information.
Use a chart or table: it works well for multi-step problems.
Example: “Sophie had 5 apples. She bought 3 more. How many does she have now?” Draw Sophie, then 5 apples, then 3 more. Let your child see the math before solving it.
It works because visuals reduce mental overload and help your child see the math words as simpler and easier.
Summarize Simple Stories First
Before looking into math problems, practice with short stories or everyday scenarios. The goal is to build skills that are important to understanding and solving math word problems.
Read a short story (even just 3–4 sentences).
Ask your child about the story (“What happened here? Who did what? Why?”)
Summarize the story in 1–2 sentences.
Then, move to a math word problem and use the same idea.
“What’s this question really about?”
This teaches kids to extract meaning and develop a skill that helps make math easy.
3. Start with Simplified Language
Many math problems use phrasing that confuses kids: “How many more does she need?” and “How much is left?” or “What is the difference?”
Example: Instead of “What is the difference between 12 and 8?”
Try: “If you have 12 and give away 8, how many are left?”
Once your child understands that version, show them how it connects to the question’s phrasing. Make a habit of paraphrasing problems together. Eventually, your child will do it on their own.
4. Practice Identifying Keywords
Solving math word problems often involves keywords that hint at what operation is needed. Use flashcards or highlight words in different colors.
Help your child understand them and connect them with actions.
| Keywords | Operation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Total, all together | Addition | “Sam has 3, Joe has 4. How many in total?” |
| Left, remain, difference | Subtraction | “He had 10 and gave away 3. What’s left?” |
| Each, per | Multiplication | “Each bag has 5 toys. 4 bags. How many toys?” |
| Share, split | Division | “12 candies split among 3 kids. How many each?” |
5. Use Guided Examples and Think-Alouds
One of the most powerful things you can do is to read the questions or problems out loud. This helps your child hear the thinking process, not just see the solution.
Read the problem out loud
Say, “Let’s figure this out together. (First, what do we know? Then, what are they asking?”)
Circle or underline important info
Talk through each step clearly
Eventually, your child will start talking through problems independently, gaining independence and confidence.
Conclusion
Helping your child understand math questions can feel difficult at times, especially when you know they understand the math but still get stuck on what the problem is actually saying.
The truth is, interpreting math questions is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice, patience, and a little creativity. With visual aids, simplified wording, guided examples, and just a few minutes a day, you can help your child move from confusion to confidence.
