Numberless Word Problems

This week on the blog,  I would like to jump into the world of numberless word problems! 
We want our students to be able to process what the problem is asking before they jump into the numbers.  How do we get them to do that? 
Take the numbers out!  

One very important strategy we can borrow from our reading instruction is visualization! When you present word problems without numbers, students are forced to visualize what is happening in the problem. 

Without the numbers, students are not distracted by the roadblocks of numbers.  Their thinking becomes more open & flexible.  You will see students beginning to feed off of each other.  All of a sudden, word problems will be fun, their favorite part of math!  

I found this amazing blog post from Primary Bliss Teaching!  It walks you through the steps you need to instruct students with numberless word problems.  There are also 2 free downloads of resources to use in your classroom! 

I love this Notice and Wonder strategy from The Teaching Channel to launch a numberless word problem!  Take a peek below!

You can grab a FREE recording sheet from Miss Poulson on TPT by clicking below! 

NWP in KINDER!!!!  Check out these little problem solvers in Kindergarten.

  

These students are so engaged in the discussion.  Along with math thinking, students are practicing their speaking and listening skills too!

Where the Magic Happens Teaching has a great post on numberless word problems and an easy to use math frame to support students with organization and showing their work. Read more about the Protocol by clicking below!