How do you complete a second grade math window pane?

Answer 1

This is a very basic example, but for most parents who find themselves wondering if their kids are doodling or doing their homework, it should help. If nothing else, it will supplement the details enough so you can look smart when your little Emily or Chance asks you to help them work through this new approach to completely over-complicating simple homework problems. ;-)

Start by drawing a '+' shape (t-shape, cross-shape, etc.) so that you have 4 empty 'boxes' large enough to write in. The problem solving progresses in the following order: Top Left (TL), Top Right (TR), Bottom Left (BL) then Bottom Right (BR).

The example problem for this explanation is...

If Emily has 4 apples and Chance has 3 apples, how many apples do they have together?

(TL) - This is known as the 'MAIN IDEA' box. In this box, the student will write what they feel is the Main Idea of the problem in as few words as they can.

Ex. How many apples?

(TR) - This is known as the 'DETAILS' box. In this box, the student will write the important details they found while reading through the problem.

Ex. Emily = 4, Chance =3, together=?

(BL) - This is known as the 'STRATEGY' box. There are many approaches to completing this box, but the simplest is to have the student 'show their work'. This will also be referred to as the 'Operations / Actions' box, as it demonstrates the operations used to solve the problem.

Ex. 4 + 3 = 7

(BR) - This is know as the 'HOW' box. The student will write out 'how' they solved the problem using as few words as they can.

Ex. I added 4 and 3 together.

Happy doodling...err...problem solving!