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by Brigid Del Carmen
Topics: Fourth Grade, Math

There is a simple way to help your fourth-grader better understand what to do when faced with a story problem. It is called “Four-Square for Story Problems” and it involves students identifying key words that signal specific operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It begins as a quick, fun activity, but turns into a finished product that will be a study tool for years to come!

What You Need:

  • paper/pencils
  • multi-colored markers
  • small poster board or construction paper

What You Do:

Step 1
Cut 4 sheets of paper into approximately 35 cards (medium-size).

Step 2
Write each word/phrase below on one card:

 

Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division
total difference times each
altogether left multiplied by  divided by
in all fewer product of quotient of
add loss every per
combined minus at this rate  
sum less    
  remains    
  subtract    

 

Step 3
Shuffle all cards. Next, challenge your fourth-grader to sort the word cards in less than two minutes. Direct her to find the four headings and then the key words that would fit under each heading (shown above). Check her work. If she is completely correct in her sorting, praise her and offer a small prize. If she made some errors, help her make corrections and try again. Give her a small consolation prize to keep her motivated!