CUBS - Problem Solving Strategy

Hello Third Grade Families!

As students tackle more challenging story problems, we have taught them a strategy to make sure they are reading the problems carefully! Often, students will quickly look at the numbers in the story problem and use that to decide if they are going to multiply and divide. So, for example, if they see a 3 and a 5 they know that those numbers tend to be factors. If they see 72 and 9 they figure they should divide. HOWEVER, story problems will begin to include all four operations (not at once necessarily), so that trick is not one that is helpful!!

We have taught them an acronym, CUBS, to help them read the problem carefully and think about the situation rather than the numbers. It stands for:

C - circle the important numbers
U - underline the question
B - box key words
S - show your thinking and solve

Here is an example of how CUBS could be used on a story problem:

We would love it if you encouraged your child to use this strategy as they work on their homework as well! Thanks, and thank you for participating in your child's learning at home! They are building valuable independence and responsibility by continuing their learning journey outside of the classroom!

Ms. Goss and Mrs. McGaffey