Multi-Step Word Problems, Math Skits, and a FREEBIE

This past week, we started working on multi-step word problems using the 4 operations. My students always have a hard time with this concept because they get overwhelmed having to incorporate and figure out which of the 4 operations they need to solve for as well as having to perform two different operations in one problem. 

Too often I see them just guessing rather than really thinking each problem through about what is actually happening in the problem. 

This week, we did some math skits. The students were broken up into different groups and were assigned to either addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. In these groups, students were to discuss what it means to add, subtract, multiply or divide and come up with example situations. They were then to choose an example which clearly shows what the operation means (what we are doing) and perform it for the class. 

Here is a group of students planning out their skit.

After each performance, the audience was to decide which operation they were performing and they had to explain how they knew. As a class, we then went and wrote a description of what each operation means and then listed some key words to look out for in our word problems. 

Another group actually practicing

Our multiplication group performing..

Can you guess which operation this group was acting out? 

Have a great week!