Top 5 Bar Model tips for pupils

Pupils need support in using the Bar Model approach so we decided to be extra kind and develop a poster listing the top 5 bar model tips for pupils.

Top 5 Bar Model Tips For Pupils

So here it is, our top 5 bar model tips for pupils:

1. Read and underline. When reading a question, typically there is a lot to read. So it’s important to pick out the keywords, numerical data and also what exactly is the question asking you to work out and underline these so you can see if you have used these key information pieces to in your bar model drawing.
2. Decide. You need to decide whether this is a part-whole model or a comparison model. If you are in year 5 then it may also be a before and after situation. How do you decide which model to draw?
3. Make or Draw. Start to make the model with strips of paper or draw the model out on paper. Does the model make sense? Can you describe each part? Does it match with what the question says? Can you label each part? Have you used all the information given in the question? Can you label the part you need with a question mark?
4. Ask (Yourself). Ask yourself what would help solve this problem? What part could help me the most? Do you need to make all the parts equal? Can I subtract or add to make that happen? Is there a way to do that? What could I do if I manage to make all the parts equal? Can I work out any of the parts? If so can I then solve the problem?
5. Calculate and Check. Decide the steps you need to take to work out the answer and then make those calculations. Once you’ve got the answer, check your work by putting your answer back in to see if it goes along with the question.

We hope this short article helps you to understand how to be more efficient in using the Bar Model approach to solving maths word problems. If you would like to download a poster as a picture you can do so here and if you would like it as a pdf then you can click here.