Read-Write-Draw (or Read-Draw-Write) is a sequence of steps that students can use to understand and solve nearly any type of word problem. The types of problems we complete are simple at first, but they become increasingly complicated as the year goes on.
This is a good introduction to Read-Write-Draw, often called Model Drawing:
Here is a beginning-of-the-year example:
Amy and Rory collect stamps. Amy has collected 45 stamps, and Rory has 84 stamps. How many stamps do they have together?
1. Read the problem. Say "some" instead of saying the numbers.
"Amy and Rory collect stamps. Amy has collected some stamps, and Rory has collected some stamps. How many stamps do they have together?"
2. Rewrite the question as a statement with a blank for the answer.
The question is "How many stamps do they have together?" The statement is "They have ______ stamps together."
3. Decide what the problem is talking about.
The problem is talking about stamps.
4. Draw the unit bar (tape diagram). The unit bar should always start off long and skinny. Put the label (from step #3) on the left side of the unit bar.
5. Chunk the unit bar and insert the question mark. Use information from the problem to make the "chunks."
The chunk of 45 is much smaller than the chunk of 84. The question mark goes at the end because the problem is asking for the total. (The total, or whole, always goes at the end of the unit bar.)
6. Compute and solve. Students can use any strategy to solve.
45 + 84 = 129.
7. Write the answer in the blank (from step #2).
"They have 129 stamps together."
8. Check to be sure the answer makes sense.
Put the answer by the question mark. Does the unit bar look correct? Does the answer make sense in the problem?