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Problem-Solving Strategies: Many Ways to Solve

Problem Solving: Multi-Step Thinking

Day 169of 180
Week 34of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)🧮 Download Math Practice (PDF)

Learning Objectives

1

Understand that math problems can be solved using different strategies

2

Explore multiple approaches to solving the same problem

3

Develop confidence in mathematical thinking

Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7 (WEB)

Just as there are multiple ways to solve a problem, wisdom comes from exploring different perspectives and approaches

📦 Materials Needed

  • drawing paper
  • pencils
  • base-ten blocks
  • word problem cards
  • BibleMouse Resource Guide: Grade 1 Math

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Welcome to today's BibleMouse math adventure! Yesterday, we learned about choosing the right operations. Today, we'll explore how smart problem-solvers can find different paths to the same answer.

💭 Review Question: Can you remember two different ways we might solve a math problem?
2Teaching (10 min)

In our BibleMouse lesson today, we'll learn that math is like a puzzle with many solutions. Just like God gives us different ways to approach challenges, math problems can be solved in multiple ways!

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Some problems can be solved by drawing a picture
  • Some problems work best with counting
  • Sometimes we can use blocks or other tools
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What different ways might we solve a simple addition problem?
  • How can drawing help us understand math?
3Activity: Many Paths, One Answer (12 min)
discussion

Children will solve the same word problem using three different strategies, then share their approaches.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Listen to the word problem carefully
  2. Solve the problem using base-ten blocks
  3. Solve the same problem by drawing a picture
  4. Solve the problem by counting on fingers or using mental math
  5. Share how each method worked
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use smaller numbers, help child with drawing

Challenge: Create more complex word problems with multiple steps

4Closing (3 min)

Remember, just like our memory verse says, wisdom comes from understanding. In math, understanding means knowing many ways to solve a problem!

📝 Review Questions:
  • What different ways did we solve our math problem today?
  • Which method did you like best?

Coming up: Tomorrow, we'll become problem writers and create our own math challenges!

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

First graders are learning that math is flexible and creative, not just about one right answer

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Praise different approaches, not just correct answers
  • Encourage child to explain their thinking
  • Be patient with multiple solution methods
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might get frustrated if their method looks different from others

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Excitement about problem-solving, willingness to try new approaches

Extension Activities

  • Create a BibleMouse math journal documenting different problem-solving methods
  • Play 'Solve It Your Way' game with family members

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 170Back to Math