Several ways of organizing math problems are available, giving students a variety options that help them understand the topic. Drawing a picture allows children to assign labels to the different parts of the math problem, which makes for quicker computations and less confusion. Making a diagram is also a good way to look at a problem in a different way, a good option for students who are struggling. A chart, list or graph breaks down the math data, allowing children to find patterns and make comparisons, both of which can help solve problems. Sorting the numbers in the math problem is an option for finding the median or mode of a group.
Introducing students to the different types of organization through homework and classroom instruction gives them plenty of opportunities to implement the skills. Teachers can spend class time teaching students how to make charts, mathematical diagrams and lists, and show them how to use these methods to solve math problems that are a challenge. Often, looking at a problem in several different ways helps an elementary-aged child comprehend the information to a greater degree. Homework assignments allow students to practice, and show the teacher where more instruction is needed. Computer games and interactive white-board activities are other ways of implementing the process of organizing math problems.
Part of being organized is having all the necessary tools on hand to solve math problems. Some of them make organizing the actual problem simpler for children in elementary school. A pencil with an eraser is a better option than pens or markers because it allows children to make corrections. Providing graph paper offers students a way to keep numbers lined up and uniform in size, making the math problem easier to organize and decipher. Graph paper is also ideal for making legible graphs and charts. Scrap paper gives students an outlet for hand-written computations, so those don't clutter worksheets or tests.
Elementary students are likely continuing to work on handwriting and legibility, which is important for accurately organizing and solving math problems. Some numbers look similar, such as 4 and 9, or 7 and 1. Writing them down neatly makes it easier for students to correctly solve a math problem, particularly if they putting their work away and coming back to it a later time. Leaving adequate spacing between math problems prevents confusion regarding which numbers belong with each problem. Reinforcing these skills increases the success of teaching students to organize math problems.