Are you looking for teaching students to solve word problems? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the student to talk through math word problems as they are solving them to find errors the student is making.

2. Give the student a math reference sheet to keep at their desk (e.g., steps used in doing subtraction, multiplication, addition, and division problems).

3. Get the student to check their word problems using a calculator to reinforce the learning of math facts.

4. Teach the student the ideas of more than, less than, equal to, and zero. The use of concrete objects should enable the learning process.

5. Do not require the student to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.

6. Get the student to be a peer tutor and teach a concept they have learned to another student. This can serve as reinforcement for the student.

7. Give practice solving math word problems using an app or a hand-held educational device that gives instant feedback to the student.

8. Make sure the student has mastery of math ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.

9. Get the student to manipulate objects (e.g., apples, oranges, toy cars, toy airplanes, etc.) as the operation is described.

10. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the student to hurry and solve math word problems incorrectly.

11. Give the student a quiet space to work (e.g., “office” or study carrel, etc.). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

12. Get the student to question any directions, explanations, or instructions they do not understand.

13. Praise the student for correctly solving math word problems : (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

14. Acknowledge quality work (e.g., display the student’s work, congratulate the student, etc.).

15. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

16. Try gamifying your math lessons.

17. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

10 Apps to Teach Preschoolers Math

20 Math Apps for Learners of All Ages

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Interactive Math for the Google Classroom

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love 

YouTube Channels for the Math Classroom

Are you looking for ways to teach kids to solve word problems? If so, keep reading.

1. Talk about words and phrases that usually indicate a subtraction operation (e.g., difference between, from, left, how many [more, less], how much [taller, farther, heavier], withdrawal, spend, lost, remain, more, etc.). Give the student a list of those words and phrases.

2. Let the student use a calculator when solving word problems.

3. Talk about words and phrases that usually indicate a multiplication operation (e.g., area, each, times, product, double, triple, twice, etc.). Give the student a list of those words and phrases.

4. Talk about words and phrases that usually indicate a division operation (e.g., into, share, each, average, monthly, daily, weekly, yearly, quotient, half as many, etc.). Give the student a list of those words and phrases.

5. Teach the student to convert words into their numerical equivalents to solve word problems (e.g., two weeks = 14 days, one-third = 1/3, one year = 12 months, one quarter = 25 cents, one yard = 36 inches, etc.).

6. Teach the student math vocabulary often found in word problems (e.g., dozen, amount, triple, twice, etc.).

7. Make the student read math word problems at least twice before starting to solve the problem.

8. Get the student to begin solving simple word problems that combine a single operation with words such as: 7 apples and 3 apples equal 10 apples. As the student shows success, slowly change the problems to a math word problem.

9. Show the student phrases to be translated into number sentences (e.g., six less than ten equals or 10 – 6 =) before introducing word problem.

10. Select a peer to model solving math word for the student.

11. Minimize the number of designated problems given to the student at one time (e.g., 5 problems instead of 10).

12. Show the student how to solve math word problems by reading the problem and solving the it on paper step by step.

13. Give the student a number line on their desk to use as a reference.

14. Talk with the student to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., using the wrong operation, failing to read the problem carefully, etc.) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., using an appropriate operation, reading the question carefully, etc.).

15. Assess the appropriateness of the tasks to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

16. Correlate word problems with computation procedures just learned in the classroom (e.g., multiplication, operations with multiplication word problems, etc.).

17. Teach the student the meaning of mathematical terms (e.g., sum, dividend, etc.). Frequently review terms and their definitions.

18. Spotlight keywords in math problems (i.e., reference to the operation involved, etc.).

19. Give the student a checklist to follow when solving math word problems (e.g., what information is given, what question is asked, what operation(s) is used).

20. Teach the student why they are learning to solve math word problems. Give the student concrete examples and chances to apply these ideas in real-life situations.

21. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

22. Try gamifying your math lessons.

23. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

10 Apps to Teach Preschoolers Math

20 Math Apps for Learners of All Ages

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Interactive Math for the Google Classroom

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love 

YouTube Channels for the Math Classroom

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble solving word problems? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure that it is not a failure to read that is the cause of the student’s difficulty solving math word problems.

2. Get the student to read the word problem silently and then aloud. Get them to find the mathematical operation required.

3. Give short and concise word problems that require a one-step process.

4. Teach the student clues or keywords to look for in word problems that indicate mathematical operations.

5. Get the student to orally analyze the steps that are required to solve word problems (e.g., “What is given?” “What is asked?” “What operation(s) is used?” etc.).

6. Represent the numerical amounts presented in the word problems in concrete forms (e.g., problems involving money can be represented by providing the student with an appropriate quantity of real or play money).

7. Get the student to write a number sentence after reading a math word problem. (This process will help the student see the mathematical relationship prior to discovering the answer.)

8. Get the student to create word problems for number sentences. Put the number sentences on the smartboard and have the student tell or write word problems that could be solved by the number sentence.

9. Get the student to repeat math word problems in their own words.

10. Ask the student to find the primary question that must be answered to solve a given word problem. Continue this learning experience using more complicated word problems containing two or more questions. Make sure the student knows that questions are often implied rather than directly asked.

11. Get the student to write word problems involving specific operations. Get other students in the classroom to solve these problems.

12. Supplement textbook problems with teacher-made problems that deal with classroom experiences and include students’ names to make them more realistic and essential to the student.

13. Utilize word problems that are related to the student’s experiences and are of interest to him/her.

14. Make sure the student reads through the entire word problem before trying to solve it.

15. Teach the student to break down each word problem into specific steps.

16. Get the student to make notes to set the word problem up in written form as they read it.

17. Get the student to simulate situations that relate to math word problems (e.g., trading, selling, buying, etc.).

18. Get the student to solve word problems by manipulating objects and by stating the process(es) used.

19. Assist the student in recognizing common patterns in word problems (e.g., how many, add or subtract, etc.).

20. Talk about words and phrases that usually indicate an addition operation (e.g., together, all together, sum, in all, both, gained, received, total, won, saved, etc.). Give the student a list of those words and phrases.

21. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

22. Try gamifying your math lessons.

23. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

10 Apps to Teach Preschoolers Math

20 Math Apps for Learners of All Ages

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Interactive Math for the Google Classroom

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love 

YouTube Channels for the Math Classroom

Are you looking for hacks to help students with special needs to spell? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the student to write current spelling words in various places (e.g., smartboard, transparencies, on a posted list at their desk, etc.) throughout the classroom as they are learning them.

2. Start a “Learn to Spell a Word a Day” program with the student.

3. Get the student to be a peer tutor to teach spelling words to another student.

4. Acknowledge quality work (e.g., display the student’s work, congratulate the student, etc.).

5. Get the student to use current spelling words in a critical manner (e.g., writing a letter to a friend, rock star, famous athlete, etc.) to enable their desire to improve.

6. Get the student to review spelling words each day for a short duration of time rather than two times per week for more extended periods.

7. Get the student to practice a list of new spelling words alone or with an aide, the teacher, or a peer before trying it with the entire group or before being graded on it.

8. Utilize words for the student’s spelling list that are commonly found in their daily surroundings (e.g., commercials, hazard signs, instructions, lunch menu, etc.).

9. Integrate spelling with the total language arts program (e.g., learning activities, methods, and learning materials are related to the teaching of reading and language as a whole rather than separately).

10. Make the student use the dictionary to find the correct spelling of any words he/she cannot spell correctly. Emphasize spelling accurately.

11. Praise the student for practicing the writing of the spelling words.

12. Praise the student for learning to spell words correctly: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

13. Make the student proofread all written work for spelling errors. Praise the student for correcting each spelling error.

14. Get the student’s current spelling words listed on the smartboard at all times.

15. Post a list of the student’s current spelling words on their desk. Make the student practice them regularly.

16. Consider using one of the tools from of spelling apps list.

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have learning disabilities to spell? If so, keep reading.

1. Select a peer to take part in daily spelling word drills with the student.

2. Create crossword puzzles that contain only the student’s spelling words and have them finish them.

3. Get the student to indicate when they have learned one of their spelling words. On occasions where the student shows they can spell the word, remove it from their current spelling list.

4. Provide the student fewer words to learn to spell at one time. Spend extra time on each term until the student can spell it correctly.

5. Do not require the student to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.

6. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

7. Get the student to highlight or underline spelling words in passages from reading tasks, newspapers, magazines, etc.

8. Give spelling practice using an app or a hand-held educational device that gives the student instant feedback.

9. Get the student to find a list of words (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 words) each week to learn to spell (e.g., if the student is interested in cars, find words from automotive magazines, advertisements, etc.).

10. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the student to hurry and make spelling errors.

11. Get the student to quiz others about spelling words (e.g., teacher, aide, peers, etc.).

12. Compose sentences, passages, paragraphs, etc., for the student to read that repeat the student’s spelling words throughout the written content.

13. Get the student to use current spelling words in sentences written each day.

14. Make sure that the student’s spelling instruction is on a level where success can be met. As the student shows success, slowly increase the level of difficulty.

15. Teach the student why they are learning each spelling word (e.g., give the student a concrete example of how each word can be used in their life).

16. Consider using one of the tools from of spelling apps list.

Are you looking for ways to teach students to spell words correctly in any context? If so, keep reading.

1. Make the student proofread all their written work for spelling errors. Praise them for correcting each spelling error.

2. Get the student to write current spelling words in various places (e.g., smartboard, transparencies, on a posted list at their desk, etc.) throughout the classroom as they are learning them.

3. Compose sentences, paragraphs, etc., for the student to read that repeat the student’s spelling words throughout the written content.

4. Make sure that the student’s spelling words are those that they see on a routine (schedule) basis, rather than infrequently, to enable correct spelling and use of the words.

5. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the student to hurry and make spelling mistakes.

6. Give the student self-checking learning resources. Require the student to make corrections before submitting work.

7. Get the student to keep a folder of all their spelling words. Make the student refer to the list when they are engaged in writing learning activities to check spelling.

8. Make sure the student has had sufficient practice using the spelling words (e.g., drills, sentence learning activities, etc.).

9. Acknowledge quality work (e.g., display the student’s work, congratulate the student, etc.).

10. Give chances for the student to use apps to write stories. They should check the spelling of words with the computer’s spell-check.

11. Make the student use the dictionary to find the correct spelling of any words they cannot spell correctly. Emphasize spelling accurately.

12. Minimize distracting stimuli in the classroom when the student is working on spelling and related learning activities (e.g., place the student in a carrel or “office” space).

13. Get the student to write a sentence daily for each spelling word.

14. Teach the student to usespelling words rather than merely memorizing the spelling of the words for testing purposes (e.g., have the student use the words in writing learning activities each day).

15. Praise the student for spelling words correctly in all contexts: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

16. Try several learning activities to help strengthen and reinforce visual memory of the spelling words (e.g., flash cards, word lists on the smartboard, a list on the student’s desk, etc.).

17. Consider using one of the tools from of spelling apps list.

Are you looking for strategies to help students who spell words correctly or incorrectly, depending on the context? If so, keep reading.

1. Select a peer to take part in daily spelling word drills with the student.

2. Make the student write their spelling words regularly over a period, to enable the student’s visual memory of the spelling words.

3. Get the student to find a list of words (e.g., 5, 10, or 15) each week from an area of interest to learn to spell. If the student is interested in cars, they can find words from automotive magazines, advertisements, etc.

4. Do not require the student to learn too many spelling words at one time.

5. Praise the student for practicing the writing of the spelling words within sentences and paragraphs.

6. Teach the student why they are learning each spelling word (e.g., give the student a concrete example of how each word can be used in their life).

7. Provide tests and exams when the student is certain to succeed (e.g., after they have had sufficient time to learn the information).

8. Get the student to keep a dictionary of most commonly misspelled words. Make the student check the spelling of all terms they are not certain are spelled correctly.

9. Make the student proofread their written work, circling any words that they think are misspelled. The student then checks with the teacher or the dictionary to correct those misspellings.

10. Provide the student fewer words to learn to spell at one time. Spend extra time on each term until the student can spell it correctly.

11. Make sure the student has sufficient time to finish written tasks.

12. Get the student to use current spelling words in a critical manner (e.g., writing a letter to a friend, rock star, famous athlete, etc.) to enable their desire to improve.

13. Give chances for the student to read often, so they see in print those words they need to learn to spell.

14. Integrate spelling with the total language arts program (e.g., learning activities , methods, and learning materials are related to the teaching of reading and language as a whole rather than separately).

15. Post a list of the student’s current spelling words on their desk. Make the student practice them regularly.

16. Consider using one of the tools from of spelling apps list.

Are you looking for strategies to help students who do not use word endings correctly while spelling? If so, keep reading.

1. Affix a list of word endings (e.g., -ed,-ing, -ly, -er, etc.) and sample words to the student’s desk for them to use as a reference when writing.

2. Select a peer to take part in a daily word ending drill learning activities with the student.

3. Make sure the student correctly hears the misspelled sounds. Get the student to say the words aloud to ascertain if the student is aware of the letters or sound units in words.

4. Do not require the student to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.

5. Provide the student a few words to learn to spell at one time. Spend extra time on each word until the student can spell it correctly.

6. Get the student to keep a copy of the rules for word endings at their desk.

7. Acknowledge quality work (e.g., display the student’s work, congratulate the student, etc.).

8. Get the student to keep a dictionary of most commonly misspelled words. Make the student check the spelling of all words they are not certain are spelled correctly.

9. Spotlight word endings (e.g., -ed, -ing, -ly, -er,etc.) in the student’s reading tasks to call attention to appropriate use of word endings.

10. Find a list of words the student has difficulty spelling correctly. Utilize this list as ongoing spelling words for the student.

11. Get the student to practice a new skill or task alone or with an aide, the teacher, or a peer before trying it with the entire group or before being graded on it.

12. Teach the student spelling ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.

13. Get the student to spend time each day practicing the use of a single word ending (e.g., -ing).On occasions where the student shows mastery of the word ending, introduce a new one.

14. Make the student use the dictionary to find the correct spelling of any words they cannot spell correctly. Emphasize spelling accurately.

15. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the student to hurry and make mistakes using word endings.

16. Get the student to use current spelling words in a critical manner (e.g., writing a letter to a friend, rock star, famous athlete, etc.) to enable their desire to improve.

17. Make sure the student has received instruction in using word endings (e.g., -ed, -ing, -ly, -er,etc.).

18. Give practice with word endings using an app or a hand-held educational device that gives the student instant feedback.

19. Make the student proofread all written work for spelling errors. Praise the student for correcting each spelling error.

20. Utilize wall charts showing word endings (e.g., -ed, -ing, -ly, -er, etc.) and sample words for the student to use as a reference when writing.

21. Praise the student for using word endings correctly when spelling: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

22. Get the student to be a peer tutor to teach a spelling concept they have learned to another student. This can serve as reinforcement for the student.

23. Consider using one of the tools from of spelling apps list.

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble spelling words that do not conform ot spelling rules? If so, keep reading.

1. Provide the student with an app that provides the instruction on and practice on the art of spelling.

2. Create a list of regularly seen words that do not follow spelling rules for the student to keep at their desk.

3. Get the student to find a list of words (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 words) each week that they want to learn to spell. These words become the student’s spelling words for the week.

4. Make sure the student has sufficient time to finish written tasks so that they will be more likely to spell words correctly.

5. Teach the student the sounds that letters and letter combinations make. Get the student to practice making letter sounds as they see the letters on flash cards.

6. Give the student a spelling list of words they use that do not follow the spelling rules. Add new words to the list as the student shows mastery of any of the words.

7. Acknowledge quality work (e.g., display the student’s work, congratulate the student, etc.).

8. Daily, examine those spelling words that have been previously introduced.

9. Praise the student for spelling words that do not follow spelling rules: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

10. Make the student use the dictionary to find the correct spelling of any words they cannot spell correctly. Place emphasis on spelling accurately.

11. Make sure the student hears the sounds in words misspelled. Get the student to say the words aloud to ascertain if the student is aware of the letters or sound units in words.

12. Utilize daily drills to help the student memorize spelling words (e.g., flash cards, writing the spelling words three times, etc.).

13. Make sure the student does not have too many words to learn to spell at one time.

14. Provide commercial or teacher-made games that give practice spelling words that do not follow the spelling rules.

15. Consider using one of the tools from of spelling apps list.

Are you looking for ways to support kids who leave out, change, or reorganize letters or pieces of sound while writing? If so, keep reading.

1. Give magnetic or felt letters for the student to correctly sequence into spelling words.

2. Teach the student spelling ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.

3. Create a list of the words the student misspells by omitting, substituting, adding, or rearranging letters or sound units. Get the student to practice spelling the words correctly. Remove each word from the list as the student shows mastery.

4. Provide commercial or teacher-made games that give practice spelling. The student should have a personalized list of words for this practice.

5. Make the student use the dictionary to find the correct spelling of any words they cannot spell correctly. Emphasize spelling accurately.

6. Get the student to find a list of words (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 words) each week to learn to spell (e.g., if the student is interested in cars, find words from automotive magazines, advertisements, etc.).

7. Utilize daily drills to help the student memorize spelling words.

8. Find those words the student misspells by omitting, substituting, adding, or rearranging letters or sound units. Get the student to start and regularly update a personalized dictionary with the words they misspell to use as a reference.

9. Praise the student for spelling words correctly: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, line leading, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

10. Make sure the student correctly hears those letters or sound units omitted, substituted, added, or rearranged when spelling words. Get the student to say the words aloud to ascertain if the student is aware of the letters or sound units in words.

11. Get the student to use current spelling words in a critical manner (e.g., writing a letter to a friend, rock star, famous athlete, etc.) to enable their desire to improve.

12. Give spelling practice using an app or a hand-held educational device that gives the student instant feedback.

13. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the student to hurry and misspell words.

14. Give personalized apps that will let the student practice their personal word list.

15. Consider using one of the tools from of spelling apps list.