Common Core Addition / Subtraction Bar Model Student Book: Intro for Gr. 3-5

Why Use the Singapore Math Bar Model to Solve Word Problems?

This method:
* Is aligned with the Common-Core Math Standards
* Helps students create a concrete, visual representation to simplify even the most complicated pre-algebraic word problem
* Provides students with a strategy to represent proportion and numerical relationships between elements in the problem
* Encourages students to slow down and tackle word problems methodically and logically, rather than impulsively

By using a model that allows students to see the number relationship between the variables in the problem, students are armed with a strategy they can apply to much bigger, more complicated problems. The rectangles can easily be drawn, divided, and segmented, to represent small and large numbers and show proportional relationships between variables in a problem.

This Student Activity Book contains 26 addition and subtraction word problems of varying complexities. Students are introduced to the bar model method and are led through three different addition and subtraction problems following each step of the Bar Model method.

They then are given the opportunity to try the method themselves and scaffolding is provided for the first 6 problems. On the first two pages (4 problems), the bar model is essentially created for them, and the answer statements are written. All they have to do is fill in the numerical variables. The next page (2 problems), the bars are created, allowing students to fill in the remainder of the elements of the problem.

For the remainder of the packet (20 problems) students independently follow the sequential steps of the Bar Model method, solving addition and subtraction problems.

Help your students really think critically about the numerical relationships in word problems, and given them a strategy they can use to tackle even the most complicated of problems!