Problem Solving has made quite an appearance in the Common Core. Previously, our district had used Everyday Math, which didn't include a lot of problem solving within the program. So doing a lot of problem solving has been a big change for me.
We decided to do "Problem Solving Fridays." Every Friday, our math lesson is focused primarily on problem solving (even though it is intertwined throughout the week as well). This allows the students to practice the strategies they learn every week as opposed to just one short unit in the middle of the year.
Each Friday we focus on one strategy and the students are required to use that strategy when they work independently. Eventually they will be able to choose a strategy that works best for them, once they have learned all of them. I created some posters to hang in the classroom as a reference for the students.
This may be bragging, but I LOVE how them came out!! Oh, and they're FREE!
Grab it for free in my {TpT} store or my {TN} store!
We are also starting something new in math called Math Menu. I just learned about it last week so once I wrap my head around it and get it going in my class, I'll share more!
Have a great week!
