Math Problem Solving in Action: Getting Students to Love Word Problems Grades K-2

Problem solving is a necessary skill for the 21st century but can be overwhelming for both teachers and students alike. Dr. Nicki shows how to make word problems more engaging and fun, starting in the early elementary grades so that students have a strong foundation to build upon.

Topics include:

Using games, songs, and poems to make complex mathematical concepts more accessible;

Showing students how to reason about, model, and discuss word problems;

Implementing problem-solving workshops and workstations to maximize practice time and encourage collaboration;

Teaching students to recognize and apply elementary mathematical concepts—including addition, subtraction, part-whole relationships, etc.—in real-life situations;

Incorporating different types of assessment to measure student progress and help them get to the next level.


Each chapter offers examples, charts, and tools that you can use immediately. The book also features a set of action plans so you can move forward with confidence and implement the book’s ideas in your own classroom.