**Lesson Plan: Introduction to Word Problems**
**Grade Level: 3rd Grade**
**Subject: Mathematics**
**Duration**: 60 Minutes
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**Objective**:
Students will understand how to interpret, set up, and solve basic word problems involving addition and subtraction.
**Standards**:
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.3: Solve word problems using addition and subtraction within 100.
- CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
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**Materials**:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and screen or interactive whiteboard
- Worksheets with word problems
- Paper, pencils, erasers
- Manipulatives (e.g., counters, number lines)
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**Lesson Procedure**:
**1. Introduction (10 Minutes)**:
- Begin with a brief discussion on what word problems are.
- Explain that word problems tell a story and that the story needs to be understood before solving the math.
- Present a simple word problem on the board:
- Example: "Sarah has 5 apples. She buys 3 more apples. How many apples does Sarah have now?"
- Solve the problem together as a class, emphasizing the steps to understand and break down the problem.
**2. Direct Instruction (15 Minutes)**:
- Introduce the key steps in solving word problems:
1. **Read the Problem Carefully**: What is being asked?
2. **Identify the Relevant Information**: Numbers and keywords (like "total," "left," "more").
3. **Write a Math Sentence**: Translate the words into an equation.
4. **Solve the Equation**.
5. **Review the Solution**: Is the answer reasonable and does it make sense?
- Write the steps on the whiteboard.
- Go through 2-3 example problems as a class, using the steps above.
**3. Guided Practice (15 Minutes)**:
- Distribute worksheets with several basic word problems.
- Work through the first problem together as a class.
- Have students work in pairs to solve the remaining word problems on their worksheets.
- Circulate around the classroom to offer support and ensure understanding.
**4. Independent Practice (10 Minutes)**:
- Ask students to solve a few additional word problems independently.
- Encourage them to use the steps discussed to find the answers.
**5. Review and Discussion (5 Minutes)**:
- Bring the class back together and review some of the problems from the independent practice.
- Invite a few students to share their problem-solving process and solutions.
- Clarify any misunderstandings and address common errors.
**6. Closing (5 Minutes)**:
- Recap the steps to solving word problems.
- Emphasize the importance of understanding the story behind the problem.
- Remind students that practice will help them become better at solving word problems.
**Assessment**:
- Observation during guided and independent practice to check for understanding.
- Collect and review worksheets to assess accuracy and application of problem-solving steps.
- Exit ticket: Have each student write and solve their own word problem.
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**Differentiation**:
- For struggling students, provide word problems with visual aids or manipulatives.
- For advanced students, offer more complex word problems involving multiple steps or mixed operations (addition and subtraction).
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**Homework**:
- Assign a worksheet with additional word problems to reinforce the day’s lesson.
- Encourage students to bring in real-world examples of situations that could be turned into word problems.
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**Reflection**:
- After the lesson, reflect on the students' engagement and understanding.
- Consider any necessary adjustments for future lessons based on students’ performance and feedback.