How to Solve a Problem

How to Solve a Problem
from Teach Like your Hair's on Fire
by Rafe Esquith
Viking 2007 page 147

How To Solve A Problem

Step I. Understand the Problem
(Put your pencil down)

Collect Relevant Data

Step II. Choose an Appropriate Strategy

Act It Out
Choose an Operation
Draw a Picture
Guess and Check
Look for a Pattern
Make a Chart or Table
Make an Organization List
Use Logical Reasoning
Work Backwards

Step III. Solve the Problem
(Pick your pencil up)

Step IV. Analyze

Does My Answer Make Sense?

Note: Teach Like your Hair's on Fire by Rafe Esquith is a book to read and cherish. On those days when your energy wanes and you wonder why you ever decided to teach, Rafe Esquith will bring you back to the ideals that fire your teaching spirit.