Sixth Graders Learn to Translate Word Problems to Math Expressions through Games

Playing the game “Four of a Kind,” in which they must match similar expressions written three or four different ways, sixth graders are learning to translate word problems into expressions or equations. “This activity helps build the foundation needed for them to take real-world math problems, often represented as word problems, and turn them into solvable equations,” says teacher Gin Saepharn. Walking into class on Monday, at first glance it looked as if sixth graders were planning a rousing game of “Go Fish.” However, looking more closely, students were matching math problems, using cards with word problems: for example, “Three more than the product of six and the square of a number,” and “Six times n squared plus three.”

 

“I like to use activities like “Four of a Kind,” to informally assess if my students are understanding the concepts,” explains Ms. Saepharn. “The process of being able to translate words into math will help students better navigate problem-solving.” MORE PHOTOS