The problem solving approach that I teach the children is called "UPSE". We pronounce it "up-see". This acronym will help the children remember each step of the process as we work our way through the problem. I highly encourage you to use these questions and steps with your student as you help with homework or other problems.
U - Understand the Problem
Read the problem. Read it again to make sure you really understand.
What is the problem telling me? (What information is already in the problem?)
What is the problem asking me to find out?
Students say or think: I need to find out....(what the problem is asking me)
Students say or think: I already know...(the information given in the problem)
P - Make a Plan and Predict
Think about what strategy would work best to help you find the answer. Predict what the answer might be. (Making a prediction now helps when it is time to evaluate the answer for reasonableness at the end.)
What strategy can I try to solve the problem? (Draw a picture or diagram, Make a chart or table, Guess and check, Work backwards, Make an organized list, Look for a pattern, etc.)
Students say or think: To get the answer, I can...(tell what strategy I will use)
Students say or think: I think the answer will be...(my prediction)
S - Solve the Problem
Try your plan and do the math to get an answer. If you get stuck, try a different strategy...but don't give up! Keep trying.
Students say or think: Here is my work...
Students say or think: To find my answer, I...(tell what I did)
E - Evaluate My Answer
Think about my answer. Does it make sense? Is it a reasonable answer, or does my answer not make sense? Give my answer in a sentence that uses words from the question.
Students say or think: My answer is...
Students say or think: My answer makes sense because...(explain why it is reasonable or not)
Students say or think: My answer doesn't make sense, so I need to go back and try again.
*Created by Mrs.Hamilton- 3rd grade
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