Pondering Problems

Early Problem Solving for Grades 2 - 5

This software supports

The friendly characters in Pondering Problems make solving story problems easier as they structure student thinking by guiding students sequentially to each problem solving step.

Hundreds of interesting math word problems set at Walnut Pond are available to sharpen analytical thinking skills. Program controls allow the teacher to determine the types and difficulty of problems to be presented.

Each exercise set consists of three problems. After each set, a summary chart illustrates how the student has performed in the categories of Finding Data, Choosing the Operation, and Solving the Problem. After every nine problems completed, the student can admire one of Hubert Hedgehog's artful hedge sculptures.

• Hundreds of word problems for grades 2-5
• Number data within problems changes
• Teacher selects problem types and difficulty
• Steps in problem solving emphasized
• Built-in calculator available

Math word problems can offer a meaningful and effective method to broaden children's problem solving skills. Word problems challenge students to apply their basic computation skills to non-structured problems. Because many children are confused by the lack of structure provided in story problems, Pondering Problems is designed to guide students through the necessary steps toward a solution.

Ferdinand the Frog presents story problems based on life at Walnut Pond. He asks, "What data do you need?"; and, children must answer with care. A quantity not needed for a problem's solution frequently appears within the story. After students determine what data is necessary, they must select which operation they will use to solve the problem. Ferdinand and his cheerful helpers let children know whether or not their answers are correct.

Once children have identified the data needed and determined the correct operation to use, they are ready to solve the problem. Ferdinand asks, "What is your answer?"; and, a built-in calculator is available to help with calculations. If students press H for help, they can view the equation that expresses the solution to the story problem.

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