Solve Word Problems With This Simple Strategy

Help Students Solve Math Word Problems

Do you feel like you are constantly reminding your students to read carefully or slow down when solving math word problems? I often felt that if my students would just take the time to think about what was being asked, they would be more successful in solving a problem. Luckily, another teacher I work with introduced me to this great problem solving strategy: QTIPS. It was a game changer for my students. This strategy taught them to stop, think, and plan before immediately jumping in to solve a word problem. It was just what they needed to slow down and process what was being asked.

QTIPS Problem Solving Strategy

QTIPS is an acronym to remember the steps for this problem solving strategy.

Question: Write the question and think about what is being asked.
Thinking: Think about how you will solve the problem and what operation or strategy will be used.
Important Information: Write the important information and eliminate information that you don’t need.
Plan: What’s your plan? Show your work to solve and check your answer.
Solution: Write your answer with the unit. Did you answer the question?

Word Problem Strategy Graphic Organizer

To help my students implement this strategy, I came up with a graphic organizer where they could follow the different steps of QTIPS to solve a word problem. This was very helpful to keep my students organized and on track. We started using this strategy for our problem of the day but it quickly carried over into my students’ daily work. I definitely saw a change in how they thought about and tackled word problems. They stopped just choosing any operation and put some thought behind their plan to solve. There are many skills that go into solving word problems but this strategy helped my students to take guessing out of the equation.

FREE Download

If you would like to try out this strategy with your students I have included a free download with graphic organizers and signs for you!!!

DIGITAL QTIPS Strategy Set for Word Problems

I also have a digital version of the QTIPS strategy that includes a variety of moveable manipulatives to help your students solve their word problems! Check it out here!