Problem Solving in Mathematics, Grades 3-6

Powerful Strategies to Deepen Understanding
Alfred S. Posamentier - Mercy College, New York, USA
Problem Solving in Mathematics, Grades 3-6
February 2009 | 152 pages | Corwin
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eBook
ISBN: 9781452272610
Available from January 0001
Paperback
ISBN: 9781412960670
Available from January 0001

Description

"Demonstrates problem solving strategies with solutions and teaching notes and allows the teacher to create a collection of problems to fit a particular grade level."
—Janice L. Richardson, Associate Professor and Education Coordinator, Department of Mathematics
Elon University

Help students succeed as problem solvers in and out of the classroom!

Problem solving skills are critical to students' success in mathematics, but the techniques can't be caught; they must be taught. Based on the premise that educators must take a deliberate approach to the teaching of problem solving skills, this book helps teachers engage students in the process.

Problem Solving in Mathematics, Grades 3–6 stresses the importance of problem solving in mathematics and presents nine strategies that students can use to solve problems, such as working backwards, finding a pattern, making a drawing, or solving a simpler equivalent problem. Each chapter demonstrates how teachers can:

  • Apply the strategies to problems at different grade levels
  • Incorporate these strategies into a mathematics program
  • Understand how each strategy can be applied to real-life situations
  • Make each strategy an integral part of students' thinking processes

With helpful teaching notes, sample problems for students that fit into any mathematics curriculum, and step-by-step solutions to sample problems, this book is perfect for teachers who want their students to succeed in mathematics!

Contents

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

About the Authors

Preface

  • 1. An Introduction to Problem Solving
  • 2. Organizing Data
  • Applying the Organizing Data Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 3. Intelligent Guessing and Testing
  • Applying the Intelligent Guessing and Testing Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 4. Solving a Simpler Equivalent Problem
  • Applying the Solving a Simpler Equivalent Problem Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 5. Acting It Out or Simulation
  • Applying the Acting It Out or Simulation Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 6. Working Backwards
  • Applying the Working Backwards Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 7. Finding a Pattern
  • Applying the Finding a Pattern Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 8. Logical Reasoning
  • Applying the Logical Reasoning Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 9. Making a Drawing
  • Applying the Making a Drawing Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 10. Adopting a Different Point of View
  • Applying the Adopting a Different Point of View Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students

Readings on Problem Solving

Readings on Problem Solving

Description

"Demonstrates problem solving strategies with solutions and teaching notes and allows the teacher to create a collection of problems to fit a particular grade level."
—Janice L. Richardson, Associate Professor and Education Coordinator, Department of Mathematics
Elon University

Help students succeed as problem solvers in and out of the classroom!

Problem solving skills are critical to students' success in mathematics, but the techniques can't be caught; they must be taught. Based on the premise that educators must take a deliberate approach to the teaching of problem solving skills, this book helps teachers engage students in the process.

Problem Solving in Mathematics, Grades 3–6 stresses the importance of problem solving in mathematics and presents nine strategies that students can use to solve problems, such as working backwards, finding a pattern, making a drawing, or solving a simpler equivalent problem. Each chapter demonstrates how teachers can:

  • Apply the strategies to problems at different grade levels
  • Incorporate these strategies into a mathematics program
  • Understand how each strategy can be applied to real-life situations
  • Make each strategy an integral part of students' thinking processes

With helpful teaching notes, sample problems for students that fit into any mathematics curriculum, and step-by-step solutions to sample problems, this book is perfect for teachers who want their students to succeed in mathematics!

Contents

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

About the Authors

Preface

  • 1. An Introduction to Problem Solving
  • 2. Organizing Data
  • Applying the Organizing Data Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 3. Intelligent Guessing and Testing
  • Applying the Intelligent Guessing and Testing Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 4. Solving a Simpler Equivalent Problem
  • Applying the Solving a Simpler Equivalent Problem Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 5. Acting It Out or Simulation
  • Applying the Acting It Out or Simulation Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 6. Working Backwards
  • Applying the Working Backwards Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 7. Finding a Pattern
  • Applying the Finding a Pattern Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 8. Logical Reasoning
  • Applying the Logical Reasoning Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 9. Making a Drawing
  • Applying the Making a Drawing Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 10. Adopting a Different Point of View
  • Applying the Adopting a Different Point of View Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students

Readings on Problem Solving

Readings on Problem Solving

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Problem Solving in Mathematics, Grades 3-6

Powerful Strategies to Deepen Understanding


February 2009 | 152 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 01/02/2026 9781412960670 $37.95
Hardcover 01/02/2026 9781412960663 $79.95
Lifetime 01/02/2026 9781452272610 $35.00

"Demonstrates problem solving strategies with solutions and teaching notes and allows the teacher to create a collection of problems to fit a particular grade level."
—Janice L. Richardson, Associate Professor and Education Coordinator, Department of Mathematics
Elon University

Help students succeed as problem solvers in and out of the classroom!

Problem solving skills are critical to students' success in mathematics, but the techniques can't be caught; they must be taught. Based on the premise that educators must take a deliberate approach to the teaching of problem solving skills, this book helps teachers engage students in the process.

Problem Solving in Mathematics, Grades 3–6 stresses the importance of problem solving in mathematics and presents nine strategies that students can use to solve problems, such as working backwards, finding a pattern, making a drawing, or solving a simpler equivalent problem. Each chapter demonstrates how teachers can:

  • Apply the strategies to problems at different grade levels
  • Incorporate these strategies into a mathematics program
  • Understand how each strategy can be applied to real-life situations
  • Make each strategy an integral part of students' thinking processes

With helpful teaching notes, sample problems for students that fit into any mathematics curriculum, and step-by-step solutions to sample problems, this book is perfect for teachers who want their students to succeed in mathematics!


Table Of Contents:

  • Acknowledgments
  • About the Authors
  • Preface
  • 1. An Introduction to Problem Solving
  • 2. Organizing Data
  • Applying the Organizing Data Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 3. Intelligent Guessing and Testing
  • Applying the Intelligent Guessing and Testing Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 4. Solving a Simpler Equivalent Problem
  • Applying the Solving a Simpler Equivalent Problem Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 5. Acting It Out or Simulation
  • Applying the Acting It Out or Simulation Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 6. Working Backwards
  • Applying the Working Backwards Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 7. Finding a Pattern
  • Applying the Finding a Pattern Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 8. Logical Reasoning
  • Applying the Logical Reasoning Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 9. Making a Drawing
  • Applying the Making a Drawing Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • 10. Adopting a Different Point of View
  • Applying the Adopting a Different Point of View Strategy
  • Teaching Notes
  • Problems for Students
  • Readings on Problem Solving

Recent Product Reviews:

“A wonderful collection of problems that were thoroughly researched and presented.”
Timothy J. McNamara, National K-12 Consultant/Professional Developer, Author, Teaching Essential Mathematics, Grades K-8
“Helps fill a gap in the field of mathematics education—a specific explication with appropriate examples of the variety of problem solving approaches.”
Pearl Solomon, Author, The Math We Need to Know and Do in Grades PreK–5
“Demonstrates problem solving strategies with solutions and teaching notes and allows the teacher to create a collection of problems to fit a particular grade level.”
Janice L. Richardson, Associate Professor and Education Coordinator, Department of Mathematics, Elon University

Recommendations