Since kindergartners learn better when they can visualize a problem, the flannel board can be a valuable asset when teaching word problems. Use various felt objects to illustrate both addition and subtraction problems. For example, place a felt tree on the board and recite the following problem: There were three birds in the tree. Two more birds came to join them. How many birds are now in the tree? Allow a volunteer to give the answer to the combination and explain how he figured it out. Ask another student to write the combination on the chalkboard. Give each student an opportunity to take part in the lesson, and when possible, use the students' names in your story problems.
Kindergartners love snack time, so why not combine this time with a few word problems? Using animal crackers, grapes or M&M's, call out a word problem for the students to solve. Once again, get the students involved in giving answers and writing out the combinations. End the practice with subtraction problems where the students can eat their snacks as they subtract.
There are a number of fun addition and subtraction songs that contain word problems. For example, the song “Five Little Speckled Frogs” sets up the scenario of five frogs sitting on a log. One falls into the pool, challenging the students to determine how many frogs are left. From there, the song continues until there are no frogs left. Most kindergartners enjoy silly songs, especially if motions or movement are involved. The more senses they use, the more likely the information will stick in their minds.
Give each student a piece of paper that is divided into four equal boxes. Call out a story problem, and instruct the students to draw a picture of the problem in the first box. When they are finished, have them write the answer to the problem in the second box, the one beside the first. Next, have them write out the combination in the third box, and finally, have them draw tally marks to illustrate the problem in the last box. Be sure to walk around and assist the students as necessary.