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Comprehending numbers and early arithmetics are often made easy with tactile and multisensory practices like employing fingers to count and the use of few manipulatives. As students climb up the grades, word problems of various notions eventually step in to ensure pragmatic instances. Some students may encounter impediments in comprehending and solving these questions on paper and may require engrossing styles of address instead. Are you one of those, looking to learn arithmetics in a more fun way, just like in elementary schooling? Fitting games may be our take-in here.
Word problems too can be learned and worked out with exhilarating pedagogies like games and activities. To assist you with further appealing strategies to practice word problems, here we came up with ten interesting and engaging online games.
Solving word problems with ease
It can be strenuous for a learner to derive an answer for a word problem in a single step and to ensure an appropriate approach, one needs to go through multiple stages/steps. This is probably the essence of word problems. Polya in his book, How to Solve it, has mentioned four steps to facilitate solving word problems.
- “Understand the Problem”: The most common challenge in word problems is the lack of discerning what the question actually asks for. To decipher these lines, one needs to read them carefully. Some prefer to read through these more than once, and it may be acceptable in some cases.
- “Make a Plan”: Once the problem is well versed, it is time the learner needs to check upon which plan of action can hit the answer. They may recall probable strategies and operations to apply and come to a suitable conclusion. Accordingly, one needs to devise an equation to proceed with.
- “Carry out the plan”: Once the plan with an equation is fabricated, the values given in the questions are placed in it to carry out the calculations. The estimation may be of multiple steps, but the answer can be determined.
- “Look Back” : Once an answer is derived, evidently, the student may not be sure whether it is right. For this, they need to put back the answer in the equation to check if it satisfies. Finally, it also needs to be ensured that all the steps of solutions are properly depicted.
1. Thinking Blocks Multiplication
This game is a noteworthy pick for those looking for multiplication and related word problems. To start with, the player needs to choose one among various types of problems. These include two-step problems, three-step problems, and three quantity problems. Once the type of word problem is determined, the player enters the game. The question is depicted at the top of the screen, and the instructions are provided at the bottom of the screen. The player needs to go through a stepwise procedure to solve. They need to start with a visual demonstration of questions, then name the value given in the query, and then estimate the answer. This game is simple and interactive. Ensuring visual inference, the learner can make out what questions precisely speak about.
2. Jumpy: Multi-Step Word Problems
Once all the operations and their use is discerned, the learners may ensure practice multi-step problems that involve more than one operation to get an answer. This lets players encounter such scenarios. In this recreation, the student needs to help Jumpy, the cat, to jump over all the obstacles to reach the other side of the river. For crossing each obstacle, the player needs to solve a question. This game ensures engagement with a good user interface, this may assist players to retain for longer intervals. Further, a mentor can assign this game to students by just clicking on Assign the Game. Created with multiple levels and questions, this game can be for third, fourth, and fifth graders.
3. Word Problems Related to Division
Practicing division gets further exhilarating with games like this. This facile game asks various questions to the player. The learner needs to estimate and choose the right answer among the four options on the moving birds. In case the answer is right, the player gets a coin. If the player chooses the wrong answer, then the detailed solution and answer are depicted on the screen to learn. This game gets interactive with a voice assistant, sounds, and visuals. Another edge is that there is no time limit. Thereby, new players can take more time to come up with the right answer.
4. 2-Steps Money Problems
Dealing with money is obligatory as an adult. Accordingly, indulging in money-related games can succeed reasonably. This game starts with a price chart of multiple commodities along with pictures. Based on these figures, the game asks for word problems of varying quantities. The player needs to reckon the final value as soon as possible. For instance, if a banana is priced at 10 cents and apples 20 cents, the cost of 2 apples and three bananas would be (70 cents). Apart from ensuring a sequential approach, this game offers the player to play in three currencies to facilitate flexible learning.
5. Subtraction Word problems
Rewarding for each right answer often intrigues the student to solve more problems. This game rewards players by letting them roll a dice for every correct answer. The recreation starts with a subtraction-based word problem and a snake & ladder game, which the player needs to solve. Once the answer is calculated, the learner needs to choose an appropriate option. For every right answer, the player gets a chance to roll a dice and move forward in the game. The game is simple, and thereby can be accessed on all devices without delay.
6. Multiply Fractions
After discerning fractions, the operation of these values becomes necessary. This game provides auxiliary support in such practices. The game comprises a lot of word problems which stipulates the player to use multiplication of fractions to solve. This pick is provided with a voice assistant that can read out the questions clearly for students. Further, it also offers a scratchpad area to work on the screen itself. Answering every 10 right questions will let the player level up. This serene game can be picked for the recurrent practice of fractions and operations.
7. Computation Castle
To students who are looking for visually enriched word problem games, computation castle may be the pick. This game starts with an evil witch cursing five innocent people into animals. The player needs to bring them back to human life. For this, they have to answer a few questions to help mix up the right potion. The game ensures engagement with admirable gameplay. Most of the questions are related to measurements of ingredients, which may further make students indulge in gameplay rather than practicing sums.
8. Math Pirate Game
Multiplication of numbers may be easy, but discerning the postulates from the word problems needs to be developed. This pirate game, accordingly, stipulates the students to understand simple sums to solve them. The game starts with a pirate monkey being stranded on an island and is digging the ground for food. The player needs to give the right answer to the questions to get some coconuts. Every question comes with four options, and a button for voice assistant. These features make the game easy to grip on word-based problems.
9. George’s Expedition
This game revolves around George and the math problems that arise before him in his journey. To start with, the teacher creates a story with ten to fifteen problems in it and narrates it to students. Whenever a word problem comes, the story is paused for a while to let the learners solve it to proceed. Here is an example:
George has 3 members in his family and he has to bring some groceries. He went to the store located at the end of the street. In the dairy section, recall the need for cheese. Each person needs four cubes of cheese. He has to calculate the total cheese cubes (12). This calculation is done by students. Once done, the story continues for the next word problem.
This game creates an imaginary world for students to soak into and apply word problem-solving skills in real-life examples. Based on the grade of the students, the teacher can change the complexity of the word problems.
10. Tippy Tippy Tap, Pick a Math operation to grab
As kids, we all have made toys out of paper, and through origami, we have made a game which we as kids used to call ‘tippy tippy tape.’ You can learn to make one on your own through a tutorial. We used to choose numbers and then we used to get our favorite movie, or whatsoever we used to write in the inner flap.
Ideally, there are 4 colors that we choose from, but now, we can make this an activity of 4 operations, rather than 4 colors. Therefore, on the top flap, we can write – Addition, multiplication, division, and subtraction. Now, we can ask our friends to choose from these 4 operations. Next, in the inner flaps, we can write word problems that would be associated with the operation chosen.
We can make this tippy tippy tap a time-based challenge, by asking for the answer in 30 seconds or lesser. This fun activity will stimulate the creative side of the brain and will help the kids with maths.
Concluding thoughts
Word problems may not be facile for all students, which depicts a need for assisting strategies to grasp. With the shift towards creative and interactive learning styles, games can be an eminent talking point for all the pupils. While online games can be stress-busters after school, offline picks can improve engagement in school. The games edified above cover all basic operations, and the offline ideas can be implemented to any notion by the mentor. Pick a befitting game and let your little one relish the study time.
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26 filtered results
Math Word Problems
Money Math: Piggy Bank
Kids practice counting up coins and adding money to this virtual piggy bank.
2-Digit Addition Game Show
2-Digit Addition Game Show
Addition experts, come on down! Practice quick-thinking two-digit addition in this educational game that tests off-the-cuff adding skills.
Two-Step Subtraction
Kids subtract apples in two-step equations to find a target number.
Zap and Kreb: Graphing Word Problems
Zap and Kreb: Graphing Word Problems
Kids journey to Earth with aliens Zap and Kreb on a mission to gather data and create graphs in a math story that’s out of this world!
Pool Creation: Area Models
Pool Creation: Area Models
Third graders calculate the area of a swimming pool in this silly multiplication game.
Subtraction Pizza Party
Mama mia! Kids must use subtraction skills to craft perfect pizzas in this game.
Add Up the Fantasy Coins
Kids solve a multi-step word problem by counting out the right number of coins.
Fish Bowl Addition
Students help Birdee and Cuz-Cuz count up all the fish they won in this addition game.
3-Digit Subtraction Word Problems
3-Digit Subtraction Word Problems
These word problems will help kids practice 3-digit subtraction by applying the math to real life situations.
Word problems are an important part of math instruction because they show students how they can use the math they are learning in the classroom in real life. A skill they will be using constantly throughout their life!
For this reason, I try to make learning this skill as fun as possible so that students will be engaged enough to really learn and understand the concept!
Here are some of my favorite tips for teaching word problems!
- Use picture books – Model real-world problems using actual books. This is so easy to do with pretty much any picture book. All you need are pictures! While you’re reading, look for any changes with adding and subtracting in the pictures. For example: in Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, you can point out the adding one concept using the food. This is a good start for helping students understand that word problems have a beginning, change, and an end. For modeling subtraction, I found this book One Big Pair of Underwear. It’s hilarious! The kids really liked the funny pictures and obviously, anything with underwear captures their attention.
- Think- Pair – Share – Solving word problems can be difficult for young students especially if they’re reluctant to read the words. One way you can help students overcome this challenge is with think-pair-share. Start by reading the word problem out loud. You may need to do this two or three times. Then, give students one minute to think about what they just read. Next. have students share with a partner what they just heard. Some questions they may discuss are:
- What do you know?
- What do you need to solve?
- How might you solve that?
This supports your little learners by helping “read” the world problem and it integrates with your listening and speaking standards.
- Use rewards – Motivate your students to complete word problems. You can use this FREE Word Problem pack to do that. When students complete a word problem, they simply color, stamp, or place a counter over a space. When they’ve completed a certain amount, they earn a reward of their choice. For example, if a student completes five word problems, then the student can take their shoes off.
- Making Movies – is another way I like to teach my students how to solve word problems. Have them close their eyes and visualize what is happening in the story. Is the information missing in the beginning, middle, or end of the story?
- DIY Word Problems – Create your own math word problems. Have students roll dice to create their own math word problems. This helps engage them in learning and gets them to work independently. You can grab these by clicking here!
- Get Hands-on -Use math manipulatives to model word problems. My favorite math manipulative is using an abacus. I model with one row the first part of the story. Then, I model the second part on the second row. Finally, I model the third part on the third row. Wherever the missing information is (beginning, middle, or end), we don’t model it, and this is where we show our answer. You can also use a tens frame with counters. This hands on manipulative organizes the information for kids to see and it’s an essential tool that will appear over and over again in K – 2.
- Play Games – There are so many benefits to doing this. You can read about those here. You can get extra practice with word problems using these games. I’ve made sure to create a balance with word problems that have a missing beginning, missing middle, and a missing end. There are some with a change and some that compare.
These activities have always been a hit in my classroom. Making learning fun is such a simple and great way to increase student engagement and learning outcomes!
What are your favorite ways to teach word problems? Let me know in the comments!
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Free Math Word Problems Collection for Grades 1-5
The LogicLike team has collected over 500+ math problems on various topics! We provide word
problems and math puzzles designed by experienced teachers. LogicLike helps children improve
their math skills in a playfull way!
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thinking, math & logic skills. Adults improve mental abilities and develop
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Choose Word Problems by Grade
Our team has created word math problems for grades 1-5! Choose your grade, learn math and have
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1st Grade Math Word Problems
In first grade, an important task for students is to learn addition and subtraction. Word
problems will help them do it!
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Problems for 1st Grade.
2nd Grade Math Word Problems
In second grade children learn to add and subtract more complex numbers. We offer
our own collection of word math problems for 2nd grade students to practice!
Go to Math Word
Problems for 2nd Grade.
3rd Grade Math Word Problems
In grade 3 children begin to master multiplication and division, two-step word problems, solve
time and measurement problems!
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Problems for 3rd Grade.
4th Grade Math Word Problems
In 4th grade, it is very important to consolidate all your knowledge from previous years and
learn how to apply it to more difficult word problems!
Go to Math Word
Problems for 4th Grade.
5th Grade Math Word Problems
In fifth grade, children begin to learn fractions, variable equations and mixed numbers.
LogicLike will help them do just that!
Go to Math Word
Problems for 5th Grade.
Children ages 5-12 enjoy the LogicLike course in a playful way. In the meantime,
they learn to reason, develop their math and logical skills, and interest in
knowledge.
Choose Word Problems by Topic
LogicLike has made over 13 themed picks for learning important topics in math! You can solve the
best word problems for addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions and
mixed numbers, and more!
Money Word Problems
Tom has 50 cents, and his mother gives him 4 quarters.
How much money does Tom have?
Sara wants to buy 14 ChocoPies. The ChocoPies cost 35 cents each.
How much money will 14 ChocoPies cost?
Michael had $9,896.00 in his checking account.
Then, he spent $3,458.00 on the account.
How much money is left in Michael’s checking account?
Mixed Addition and Subtraction Word Problems
Sam caught 4 fish in the morning. Later, he caught 1 more fish.
How many fish did Sam catch in all?
At the birthday party, there were 12 cups but 4 cups were broken.
Mom goes out and buys 10 cups.
How many cups are there after she returns?
The pirate has a chest with coins.
Inside there are 328 gold, 264 silver and 136 copper coins.
How many coins are in the chest in total?
Multi-Step (Multiple Step) Word Problems
There were 6 yellow apples and 4 red apples on the plate. We ate 7
apples.
How many apples are left on the plate?
The clown had balloons of 3 colors, 6 pieces of each color.
He gave the kids 4 balls of 2 colors.
How many balloons does the clown have left?
Mary bought 15 pounds of strawberries at $1.68 per pound.
Marion bought 14 pounds of strawberries at $1.80 per pound.
Who paid more?
Multiplication Word Problems
Jessica saw 4 dozen doves in the park.
How many doves did Jessica see?
The chef of the restaurant prepares an omelet from 3 eggs.
If the chef has 72 omelets to make, how many eggs will he need?
Brenda’s kitten weighs 3 3/5 pounds.
Oliver’s dog weighs 4 times more.
How much does Oliver’s dog weigh?
Mixed Multiplication and Division Word Problems
Each crayon costs $3.00.
How much do 18 crayons cost?
A concert hall contains 6 sections of seats with the same number of seats in
each section. If there are 768 seats, how many seats are in each section?
The online store has $ 21,000 to buy online ads.
If each ad costs $ 6, how many ads can an online store purchase in a
month?
Is this enough to get 300 ads per month for a year?
Division Word Problems
There are 3 students in the class and 21 pens.
If the pens are divided equally among the students,
how many does each student get?
Monika earned $216 babysitting in 9 months.
She earned the same amount each month.
How much did Tina earn babysitting each month?
The toy company makes Teddy bears in two sizes — big and small.
The company produced 1,620 Teddy Bears last week.
They made 11 times more small Teddies than large ones.
How many big size toys did they make?
Fraction Word Problems
Sarah made nine chocolate bars.
She put powdered sugar on three chocolate bars.
Which part of the bars now have powdered sugar?
Jessica had $200, 1/4 of this money she spent on cosmetics.
How much money did Jessica spend?
The perimeter of the triangle is 40 inches.
The first side is 3/10 of the perimeter,
the other is 3/2 of the first side.
What is the third side of the triangle?
Proportion Word Problems and Worksheets
The cinema has 400 seats, 260 of which are occupied by spectators.
Express the attendance at a percent of capacity.
Molly has 45 markers. 20% of the markers write poorly.
How many markers are bad at writing?
In an exam, Shawna secured 340 marks.
If she secured 85% makes, find the maximum marks.
Ratio Word Problems
The ratio of green and red apples in a bag is 2 : 5.
If there are only green and red apples in a bag,
what is the smallest total number of apples possible?
65 children are swimming in the pool.
There are 15 more boys than girls.
What is the ratio of boys to girls?
James gives Kathy a box of building blocks and tells her that the ratio of
red blocks to total is 3 to 19. He also tells her there are 3 times as many
yellow blocks as red, and that there are 2 more green than red.
What is the ratio of yellow blocks to green?
Dividing Decimals Word Problems
Jack paid $99 for 6 pizzas.
How much did he pay per pizza?
Mark has run a total of 84.24 miles in 32.4 days of running training.
How many miles did he run on average per day?
An Olive Oil Factory made 809.9 pounds of olive oil in 6.5 minutes.
How much oil, on average, did the factory make each minute?
Volume Word Problems
Ship container has a length of 40 feet, width 8 feet, and 9.6 feet in
height.
Find the volume of the container in cubic feet.
The volume of a cylinder is 441 cubic inches. The height of the cylinder is
9 in.
Find the radius of the cylinder to the nearest tenth of an inch.
A cylindrical hole with a diameter of 8 inches is bored through a cub 10
inches on a side. Find the surface area and volume of this solid casting.
Measurement Word Problems
Jack was 5 feet 9 inches tall last year.
He grew 7 inches in the past year.
How tall is he now?
The turkey is 18 lb 11 oz and the stuffing inside the turkey is 5 oz.
What is the total weight of the roasted turkey?
From 10g of instant coffee, 120 ml of coffee can be brewed.
In a can of instant coffee is 200 g.
How much coffee (in liters) can you make from a can?
Mila is 5 years older than her brother, but 3 times younger than her
mother.
How old is Mila and how old is her mother, if Mila’s brother is 6 years old?
In 8 years, Mary will be 3 times as old as she is today.
How old is Mary today?
Felix is twice as old as his friend Greg.
Greg is 5 years older than Rachel.
In 5 years, Felix will be three times as old as Rachel.
How old is Greg now?
Have a look at some age word
problems that the LogicLike team creates for
children and adults.