Math challenge problems–another tip!

FInding ways to work problem solving into your day is so important.  Problem solving can be word problems--but there are other options as well!  Problem solving, problem solving activities, problem solving lessons, problem solving printables, grade 3 math activities, grade 4 math activities
One thing that I always want to have easily available to my students of all abilities is work for them to do if they finish early or have some “down time”…they know they can always read or write, but I like for them to have math options as well.  My students have “Personal Challenge” folders that have a variety of problem solving activities in them…some of which are introduced whole class and others that are tailored for a specific group.  One other “tip” I have is to always have displayed a collection of problems that can be glued into their math notebooks…these usually feature students in the class and are written at a variety of levels.
To keep the system easy to manage, I use a small pocket chart that I have pinned to my math board…mine was just an inexpensive one I found at a special store with a special section where things only cost a dollar or three.  I just wheeled my red cart over and snagged a bunch to use for just this type of thing.  #Ithinkyougetmydrift
I tell the students that I try to put the easier ones toward the top and make them more challenging as they go down the chart–but I also always remind them that what makes a problem challenging for one person may not be true for another…and that they should just TRY!  What’s the worst thing that could happen?
I have gotten pretty good at making up word problems and other problems (if you aren’t familiar with CGI math out of the University of Wisconsin you might want to do some reading…the Common Core uses CGI problem types)–but some of the ones in my pocket chart right now aren’t word problems at all but are place value riddles like:
How many numbers can you find that meet the following rules?
*I am a multiple of 8.
*I have 3 digits.
*The digit in my hundreds place is odd.
*I am >300 and <700.
FInding ways to work problem solving into your day is so important.  Problem solving can be word problems--but there are other options as well!  Problem solving, problem solving activities, problem solving lessons, problem solving printables, grade 3 math activities, grade 4 math activities
The possibilities are endless!  If you really struggle writing problems, I do have dozens of problem sets on a variety of topics in my store if you need something to get you started…they are one of my biggest sellers, so look for more sets being added!
So–consider finding ways to make math accessible to your students when they have extra minutes…it’s a great way to differentiate and a great way to get students excited about challenging math!

Here are a few resources that help me SO much throughout the year. See what you think!

FInding ways to work problem solving into your day is so important.  Problem solving can be word problems--but there are other options as well!  Problem solving, problem solving activities, problem solving lessons, problem solving printables, grade 3 math activities, grade 4 math activities
FInding ways to work problem solving into your day is so important.  Problem solving can be word problems--but there are other options as well!  Problem solving, problem solving activities, problem solving lessons, problem solving printables, grade 3 math activities, grade 4 math activities

 (Looking for those “Who Am I?” problems as listed in the blog post?  Here you go!)

FInding ways to work problem solving into your day is so important.  Problem solving can be word problems--but there are other options as well!  Problem solving, problem solving activities, problem solving lessons, problem solving printables, grade 3 math activities, grade 4 math activities

Meg