Challenging Word Problems

Challenging Word Problems

Singapore Math/Primary Mathematics has a few supplemental series of workbooks that correlate with their three series of textbooks for the elementary grades. I am reviewing the Challenging Word Problems series separately from their other books since this series can be used alongside just about any math program.

These books are some of the best I've seen for helping students learn how to solve word problems. Each section of a Challenging Word Problems book begins with worked examples that apply an arithmetic skill within various word problem contexts. Illustrations such as number lines, arrays, and objects are frequently used to help students visualize what is happening. Worked examples are followed by practice problems to ensure student understanding. Then each section has worked examples of "Challenging Problems" followed by a series of more challenging problems to solve. Answer keys are at the back of each book.

There are two sets of Challenging Word Problems books. One set has one book for each of levels 1 through 5 in the Common Core editions of Primary Mathematics, and the other set has one book for each of levels 1 through 6 for the other edition (recommended for use with U.S. and Standards editions of Primary Mathematics). However, the Challenging Word Problems books are very similar in both series. It appears to me that they have just added a few items to the Common Core series of Challenging Word Problems to cover all of the CC standards.

Sections in these books do not correlate exactly to units in the textbooks although they do cover topics taught in the corresponding levels of the program. For example, division by a decimal is taught in unit 8 of the textbook (Common Core edition Primary Mathematics Textbook 5B) while word problems that require division by a decimal show up in section 6 of Challenging Word Problems 5.

Challenging Word Problems books might be used alongside any math program, but keep in mind that Primary Mathematics' scope and sequence is more advanced than many other programs. You might need to use a lower level of Challenging Word Problems to correlate with a different math program.

Pricing Information

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Marshall Cavendish Education is the original publisher. Distributed by Singapore Math, Inc.

Primary Math US 6 Challenging Word Problems

Primary Math US 6 Challenging Word Problems

Primary Mathematics Challenging Word Problems 1 Common Core Edition

Primary Mathematics Challenging Word Problems 1 Common Core Edition

Primary Mathematics Challenging Word Problems 3 Common Core Edition

Primary Mathematics Challenging Word Problems 3 Common Core Edition

Primary Mathematics Challenging Word Problems 5 Common Core Edition

Primary Mathematics Challenging Word Problems 5 Common Core Edition
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Instant Key

  • Need For Parent or Teacher Instruction: varies
  • Learning Environment: all situations
  • Grade Level: grades 1-6
  • Educational Methods: critical thinking, traditional activity pages or exercises, highly structured
  • Educational Approaches: eclectic, traditional
  • Religious Perspective: secular

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