In some word problems you cannot answer the question in one step. First you have to work out something else.
Here's how:
1. Read the question. What do you have to find out in the end?
2. Think about what you need to know first. That is the extra step.
3. Work out the extra step and write it in the left box.
4. Keep calculating with that result and write the answer in the right box.
Example: 245 crates are in the warehouse. 130 arrive, then 85 leave. First: 245 + 130 = 375. Then: 375 − 85 = 290.
For parents
What does this exercise practice?
Break word problems into two calculation steps and use the intermediate result in the second step.
Common pitfalls
Many children do only the first step and give the intermediate result as the answer. Ask whether the question is already answered.
How to practice at home
While shopping, ask a two-step question, for example first the total price, then the change.
Related: Word problems, Do You Need All the Numbers?, Written Addition