Build a list of function words. To effectively solve a story problem, students must understand the vocabulary of a story problem. Begin by creating a list of function words or words that represent mathematical functions. For example, if students see the word "together" they should know that that they are being asked to add. Likewise, if they see "less" they should know that they are being asked to subtract. Visit the Purplemath website provides a comprehensive list of function words.
Read the story problem. Display the story problem on the board and read it aloud to your students.
Ask students what the problem is asking for. Students must first determine what they are trying to discover before they can effectively discover it.
List the numbers that you are given. Write each number on the board, placing an explanation of what each number means next to it. By creating this list, you students will be better able to see what variables they already know.
Highlight the function word. Use a highlighter or pencil to highlight or underline the word that indicates what function they should use to solve the problem.
Create a plan for solving the problem. Ask the student to explain what he needs to do to figure out the answer. In a simple story problem, this may be only one step, such as subtracting two given numbers. In a more complex story problem, the student may need to create a more detailed plan that involves multiple steps.
Try the plan. Help the student follow his plan, assisting him if he encounters trouble.
Test the solution. Ask the student to plug the answer he arrived at back into the problem and see whether it appears to be correct. Also ask the student to consider the logic of his answer.
Revise the plan if necessary. If the initial plan did not work, assist the student in making the necessary modifications to produce a plan that helps him arrive at the correct answer to the posed problem.