Free Situational Problem related to Mathematics
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Have you seen my other Situational Problems? You can find them on my math freebies page under problem-solving!
Ready for another great math problem for your learners?
Great!
This one is aimed at older kiddos in grades 5-6 or cycle 3 elementary. It's a fun project that you can spend a few days or an afternoon doing with your learner to practice some math skills in a different way!
If you have never tried a situational problem with your child before you may want to start with an easier problem for younger grade - they can be fun too! I have others for grades 1-2 and grades 3-4 on my Free Math page.
Situational problems are a part of the Quebec math progression of learning, but they are fun to do even if you don't live in the province. They help your kids use their math skills in different ways - and use many skills at once. They are made to copy real-life situations and help prepare students to use math in everyday life.
In this situation, kids will design a pamphlet for a candy shop. They will need to follow specific criteria to complete it, but there are many ways they can find a solution to the problem.
I have provided a sample solution for you to get a look at :)
Kids can get pretty creative with this one too, so if you have a crafter then they are going to love it!
I have written before about how to solve a situational problem with your kids, but here is a simple breakdown:
- Take it one step at a time. Encourage your kids to use the "What I Need to Do" page to make a list of what they will need to do to solve the problem. They can check the things off as they do them.
- Go slow. Encourage your learners to go slow. If you're solving at home there is no reason to rush!
- Turn it into a theme! The week you solve the problem, have a candy week! Learn to make some candy or visit a fun candy store. Watch videos about candymaking or read about it. Introducing the problem then will make it a lot more interesting to them.
- Guide, but don't interfere. Let your learner try to solve the problem on their own as much as you can. Re-read the problem and steps together, help them check off what they do as they go, but don't stop them if they're making a mistake. Learn from mistakes gently and improve the next time.
- Practice skills. If you find your learner is missing out on any of the skills in the problem, take some time to practice them.
- In situational problems, the answer only counts for a small portion of the score. The process and thinking of your learner is the most important part. Guide them through it gently and slowly let them become more and more independent in solving the problems as you do them. It's not a race!
I hope you and your learners enjoy this problem together, and it helps you in your homeschool or classroom!
Find the link below - all I ask is that you do not share the drive link, but the link to this blog post or my blog! Thank you!!
