Daily math word problems play a pivotal role in promoting mathematical understanding and critical thinking skills in upper elementary. Word problems not only test computational abilities but also develop analytical and problem-solving skills. This kind of thinking also encourages students to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. For all of those reasons, daily math word problems are an essential tool for enhancing math understanding and nurturing critical thinking abilities in our students.

Word Problem of the Day

I designed Math Word Problem of the Day to emphasize problem-solving skills and allow students the opportunity to write about math. I was a member of our school’s math committee several years ago, and during our data dig, it became apparent that our students lacked the skills they needed to read, comprehend, and strategize to solve complex math word problems. I decided to take on the task of creating a daily word problem program!

Math Word Problem of the Day

Each grade level set provides you with 25 unique single and multi-step word problems for every month of the year. That’s 300 daily math word problems in all! The problems cover multiple math skills for each grade level. Skills include multi-step, single-step, and extra information problems interspersed so that students must interpret and solve the problem.

I NEED ThESE!

I created sets for 3-5 grade:

• 3rd Grade Math Word Problem of the Day
• 4th Grade Math Word Problem of the Day
• 5th Grade Math Word Problem of the Day
• MEGA Bundle for Differentiation

What’s Included in Each Set

Each Word Problem of the Day resource comes with three options, so you can choose the layout that meets your students’ needs. You can choose to scaffold the practice throughout the year by progressing through the versions. The different layouts are also perfect for differentiation. 

Full page with step-by-step instructions for tackling word problems

Half page with room to show work and write a short explanation

Five problems on one page with tabs for use in an interactive notebook.

Word Problem of the Day also includes a sentence starter and math vocabulary anchor chart. These reference charts are ideal for setting up a word problem of the day interactive notebook and a great way to start tackling these daily math word problems.

Benefits of Daily Math Word Problems to Solve

When you consistently use Math Word Problem of the Day, it unlocks SO MANY benefits! In addition to the sheer number of math word problems to solve, some of my favorite features are:

• The exposure to a variety of math vocabulary every day.
• The use of multiple strategies and methods to solve problems.
• The opportunities for students to write about math and explain their answers.
• The spiraled skill practice means students aren’t practicing a single skill at a time, so they won’t KNOW if they need to add or subtract, multiply or divide, etc.

How to Prep Math Word Problem of the Day

Math Word Problem of the Day is the ultimate time-saver! Students can set up and decorate their interactive notebooks at the beginning of the year. Then, you can prep a week or an entire month at a time so it’s always ready to use every day. 

More Math Word Problems Practice

For more tips on building a strong foundation for problem-solving and critical thinking in math, visit these posts! 

• 6 Strategies to Increase Critical Thinking with Problem Solving
• Free Multi-Step Word Problem Starter Kit