Practical Ideas for Elementary Math Teachers
Classroom-tested strategies for word problems, number sense, and making math meaningful.
The questions we ask during word problems shape how students think about math. Here’s what to ask instead and why it changes everything.
April 22, 2026
Most teachers ask the same questions during word problems: “What operation do we use?” or “Are there any keywords?” These questions feel helpful. But what if they’re pulling students away from the very understanding we’re trying to build?
