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Math explanation rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This math explanation rubric scores how a student explains a math answer in words, pictures or numbers: a correct answer, clear steps, math words used correctly, a model or drawing, and checking the answer. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with clear steps counting twice; K–2 uses three levels in plain words. Print it, copy it into Google Docs, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.

Written for Peabody Teach. Checked . Free to print, copy and change.

Grades K–2

3 levels, 4 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Math explanation rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
My answerMy answer is right and I can tell why.My answer is right.My answer is not right yet.
My stepsI tell every step in order, first, next and last.I tell some of my steps.I do not tell my steps yet.
Math wordsI use two math words the right way, like more, less or equal.I use one math word.I do not use math words yet.
My pictureMy picture or numbers show just how I solved it.My picture shows part of my math.My picture does not match my math yet.
Open in the maker
  • I can find the right answer.
  • I can tell my steps in order.
  • I can use math words.
  • I can draw a picture to show my math.

Grades 3–5

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Math explanation rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Correct answerAnswer is correct, labeled with units, and stated in a full sentence.Answer is correct and labeled.Answer has a small error or is missing a label.Answer is incorrect or missing./ 4
Clear stepscounts ×2Explains every step in order and why each step makes sense.Explains the main steps in order.Some steps are missing or out of order.Steps are not explained./ 8
Math vocabularyUses several math words correctly, such as product, remainder or fraction.Uses some math words correctly.Uses math words incorrectly or rarely.Uses no math words./ 4
Model or drawingModel or drawing is labeled, matches the problem, and connects to the words.Model or drawing matches the problem.Model or drawing is unclear or only partly matches.No model, drawing or numbers shown./ 4
CheckingChecks the answer a second way and explains why it is reasonable.Checks the answer once.Says the answer was checked but shows no check.Does not check the answer./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can find a correct answer and label it.
  • I can explain each step so someone else could follow it.
  • I can use math words correctly.
  • I can show my thinking with a model, drawing or numbers.
  • I can check that my answer makes sense.

Grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Math explanation rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Correct answerAnswer is correct, precise, written with proper notation and units, and answers the question asked.Answer is correct with units.Answer has an error in computation, units or notation.Answer is incorrect or missing./ 4
Clear reasoningcounts ×2Justifies each step with a property, rule or relationship, in a logical order a reader can follow.Explains the steps in order with some reasons.Lists steps without reasons, or skips key steps.Reasoning is missing or does not hold together./ 8
Math vocabularyUses precise terms and symbols correctly, such as ratio, coefficient or inverse operation.Uses math terms correctly most of the time.Uses terms loosely or with errors.Uses everyday words in place of math terms./ 4
RepresentationChooses a fitting model, such as a table, graph, diagram or equation, and links it to the reasoning.Uses a model that fits the problem.Model is incomplete or not linked to the reasoning.No model or representation./ 4
CheckingVerifies with a different method or an estimate and explains why the answer is reasonable.Checks the answer with one method.Check is incomplete or does not match the work.Does not check the answer./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can reach a correct, precise answer with correct notation.
  • I can justify each step with a math reason.
  • I can use precise math vocabulary and symbols.
  • I can choose a model that fits and connect it to my reasoning.
  • I can verify my answer and judge whether it is reasonable.

When to use it

  • Explain-your-thinking questions, math journals and constructed responses.
  • Number talks: students write or draw how they solved it after sharing.
  • As a checklist students use before they hand in a written explanation.

What to say to students

  • Explain it so a friend who was absent could follow every step.
  • Use a picture, a number line, a table or an equation to show it.
  • Use our math words, like sum, factor or equal.
  • Check your answer another way before you finish.

Related

The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.