Lesson 13
Represent Story Problems
Lesson Purpose
Lesson Narrative
In previous lessons, students were introduced to the number line. They learned that numbers are located at points on the line, depending on their distance from zero. They represented addition and subtraction equations with unknowns in all positions on number lines. Students have also used tape diagrams to represent story problems in previous lessons.
In this lesson, students interpret multiple representations and match them to story problems. In the first activity students are not asked to solve the problems. This allows them to focus on how each problem can be represented in different ways, rather than finding the solution. In the second activity, students are given diagrams to complete, but they can find the solution in any way that makes sense to them. They are also given the option to use a number line if it helps.
- Action and Expression
- MLR8
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Represent addition and subtraction story problems using equations, tape diagrams, and number lines.
Student Facing
- Let’s compare representations and solve problems.
Required Materials
Materials to Copy
- Number Line to 100
- Story Problems Card Sort (stories, equations, number lines, diagrams)
Required Preparation
Activity 1:
- Create a set of cards from the blackline master for each group of 3.
Lesson Timeline
Warm-up | 10 min |
Activity 1 | 20 min |
Activity 2 | 15 min |
Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
Suggested Centers
- Number Puzzles: Addition and Subtraction (1–4), Stage 4: Within 100 with Composing (Addressing)
- Number Line Scoot (2–3), Stage 1: Twos, Fives, and Tens (Addressing)
Print Formatted Materials
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Student Task Statements | docx | |
Lesson Cover Page | docx | |
Cool Down | Log In | |
Teacher Guide | Log In | |
Teacher Presentation Materials | docx | |
Blackline Masters | zip |