strategies to improve word problems

Structures of Equality takes the best of bar models and CGI and adds in a few key elements to help students visualize what is happening in story problems.

November 1, 2023

Strategies to improve word problem understanding 

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Last week, you saw an example of how keywords can cause confusion when students are given a problem with a comparison situation. Today, you’ll see two word problem strategies side by side: CUBES and Structures of Equality (SoE). Look for 3 key things while you work your way through the strategies: First, let’s take a […]

October 25, 2023

Comparison word problems can be tricky. But they don’t have to be.

Using keywords is a common strategy. While they seem like a helpful tip, they often add to the confusion.

October 18, 2023

Do keywords work? Avoid confusion with math story problems

Updated July 30, 2025 Comprehension of word problems is also one of the most baffling tasks for teachers and students. While we know the importance of helping students become proficient mathematicians who can “make sense of problems and persevere in solving them”, this is no easy feat. A Quick Refresher WIn the last couple weeks, […]

October 12, 2023

Make Sense of Problems with Structures of Equality (SoE)

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Updated July 30, 2025 I once heard a math teacher describe word problems as “the bane of her existence”. I completely “Word problems are the bane of my existence.” I once heard a math teacher describe math stories this way, and I completely get it. There are common challenges across many classrooms: students don’t know […]

October 4, 2023

How to teach word problems in a way that students comprehend

best way to teach word problems

Updated July 16, 2025 There are so many word problem strategies to choose from. It can be confusing to figure out which ones to use or not use, and how to teach so students understand them. When I was in the classroom, I came across tons of tips and tricks, but they seemed to confuse […]

September 27, 2023

What is the best way to teach word problems?

Bar models are the foundation for SoE. Learn how they’re enhanced through the structures.

September 20, 2023

Word Problem Instruction Reinvented

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Take a peek at the data from 3 classrooms. They range from little/no use to consistent use of SoE>

September 13, 2023

A class-by-class data comparison

reading comprehension tool

(updated July 2024) There are 3 Structures of Equality (SoE). They each have 3 critical elements to help students comprehend number stories.

September 6, 2023

A Reading Comprehension Tool to Solve Math Word Problems 

Bar Models and CGI

(updated July 2024) SoE are based on what works with bar models and CGI. With a few upgrades, you have a reading comprehension tool for math.

August 30, 2023

If bar models and CGI had a baby, it would be Structures of Equality

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There are common strategies we’ve all been taught to use, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

August 23, 2023

Common strategies for solving math word problems: the advantages and pitfalls

In a recent survey, 164 out of 168 elementary teachers agreed that reading and comprehension are the main hurdles to students solving word problems.

August 16, 2023

Why students struggle with word problems in math