Problem Solving and a Freebie

My students STRUGGLE with word problems. They kind of look like this most of the time.

As I was searching through Pinterest (yes, I ♥ Pinterest), I came across an anchor chart with the CUBES strategy from Working 4 the Classroom. Brilliant! I set out to make an anchor chart just like it and teach the strategy to my students. Here's my chart:



I went over the strategy, we practiced it, and we use it all the time - for the last 2 years. Since I loop with my kids, we just do a short review at the beginning of the year and they take off. This has helped many of my kids. I know there are many strategies out there, but right now this one is working for us.

I have a free problem solving sheet for you. Click here or on the photo to download.

Have you used this strategy or do you have another strategy that works for you?