Use word problems to help reinforce number concepts including addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. Use language that students will find easy to understand and situations they can relate to. When teaching addition you could try an example such as the following: "There are three blue cars on Fred's driveway and two red cars. How many cars are there on the driveway?" Try using funny characters and interesting stories. "Lucy the Ladybug has six spots. She lost two of them. How many does she now have?" Accompany problems with pictures if possible.
Use word problems to teach the names and properties of different shapes. Draw a simple picture of a shape on a sheet of paper and write some statements underneath with words missing. If your picture is of a square, for example, you could write the following sentences: "I have ____ sides of the same length . I am a ____." Provide a list of possible words for students to copy into the gaps.
Use every day situations to create word problems around money concepts such as a trip to the store or holidays like Halloween or Christmas. For example, "Jack went to the store with $5. He bought two bars of candy that cost $1 each. How much change did he get?" Again, use simple pictures to illustrate your word problems and write a list of numbers and money symbols on the sheet to help students.
Again, it is worth using real life scenarios to teach fractions. Use word problems that involve sharing candy between friends or party favors between party guests. For example, "If Jack has four pieces of candy and gives half to Jane, how much candy do they each have?" When writing your problems, try including the names of students in your class; this involves and engages students and adds enjoyment to the lesson. Make sure not to leave anyone out.