A free math problem solving anchor chart: four steps for any word problem, from reading it twice to checking the answer. For grades 2–6. Print it on one page, or on four pages to tape together as a poster.
Solving a word problem
1. Read it twice
What is the question asking?
Underline what you know. Circle what you need to find.
2. Make a plan
Draw it, make a table, or write a number sentence.
3. Solve it
Show your work so someone can follow it.
4. Check it
Does the answer make sense?
Answer in a full sentence, with the units.
Free at teach.peabody.kids
Solving a word problem
1. Read it twice
What is the question asking?
Underline what you know. Circle what you need to find.
2. Make a plan
Draw it, make a table, or write a number sentence.
3. Solve it
Show your work so someone can follow it.
4. Check it
Does the answer make sense?
Answer in a full sentence, with the units.
Free at teach.peabody.kids
Solving a word problem
1. Read it twice
What is the question asking?
Underline what you know. Circle what you need to find.
2. Make a plan
Draw it, make a table, or write a number sentence.
3. Solve it
Show your work so someone can follow it.
4. Check it
Does the answer make sense?
Answer in a full sentence, with the units.
Free at teach.peabody.kids
A1Solving a word problem anchor chart · page 1 of 4 · A2 to the right · B1 below
A2 joins this side
10 cm at 100% · between the corner marks 7.5 × 10 in
Solving a word problem
1. Read it twice
What is the question asking?
Underline what you know. Circle what you need to find.
2. Make a plan
Draw it, make a table, or write a number sentence.
3. Solve it
Show your work so someone can follow it.
4. Check it
Does the answer make sense?
Answer in a full sentence, with the units.
Free at teach.peabody.kids
A2Solving a word problem anchor chart · page 2 of 4 · B2 below · trim the left and top at the marks and lay it over the one before
A1 joins this side
10 cm at 100% · between the corner marks 7.5 × 10 in
Solving a word problem
1. Read it twice
What is the question asking?
Underline what you know. Circle what you need to find.
2. Make a plan
Draw it, make a table, or write a number sentence.
3. Solve it
Show your work so someone can follow it.
4. Check it
Does the answer make sense?
Answer in a full sentence, with the units.
Free at teach.peabody.kids
B1Solving a word problem anchor chart · page 3 of 4 · B2 to the right · trim the left and top at the marks and lay it over the one before
B2 joins this side
10 cm at 100% · between the corner marks 7.5 × 10 in
Solving a word problem
1. Read it twice
What is the question asking?
Underline what you know. Circle what you need to find.
2. Make a plan
Draw it, make a table, or write a number sentence.
3. Solve it
Show your work so someone can follow it.
4. Check it
Does the answer make sense?
Answer in a full sentence, with the units.
Free at teach.peabody.kids
B2Solving a word problem anchor chart · page 4 of 4 · trim the left and top at the marks and lay it over the one before
B1 joins this side
10 cm at 100% · between the corner marks 7.5 × 10 in
How to use it
One page: print it for a notebook or a table, or project it while you teach.
A poster: print the four pages at 100% (the 10 cm bar on each page checks it). Each page after A1 says where it goes: trim its left and top edges at the marks, lay it over the page before at the ticks, and tape the back. It makes a poster about 15 by 20 inches.
Make it yours: build the chart with the class first and keep this one as your model, or add the class's own examples on sticky notes.