---
title: "Making Sense of Problems"
description: "Make sense of a problem by identifying what is being asked, choosing concrete objects or pictures to represent the situation, and explaining a pathway to the solution"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/making-sense-of-problems-mt_WkKkb7W9Qd
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/making-sense-of-problems-mt_WkKkb7W9Qd.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Making Sense of Problems

Make sense of a problem by identifying what is being asked, choosing concrete objects or pictures to represent the situation, and explaining a pathway to the solution

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Mathematical Thinking · Ages 5 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/making-sense-of-problems-mt_WkKkb7W9Qd

## Ready when they can

- When given a word problem within 10, explain what the problem is asking before attempting to solve
- Choose objects, fingers, or drawings to represent a problem situation
- After finding an answer, check it makes sense (e.g. re-count objects to verify a total)

## Lesson: Think, Then Solve

Before you solve a problem, stop and think first. What is the problem asking you to find? Think about that before you start.

*(drawing: Draw pictures to show the problem: 3 apples and 2 more.)*

**Example.** Ben has 4 stars. His friend gives him 3 more stars. Ben draws all his stars and counts them together. He gets 7 stars in total.

**Tip.** After you get an answer, check it. Count again to make sure it makes sense. If it does not match, count once more.

**Recap.** Stop, think, draw or count, solve, then check your answer.

## Practice

18 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Checking your own work](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/checking-your-own-work-mt_8dstvf-KKb)
- [How Many in Total?](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/how-many-in-total-mt_dmNvjroCPT)
- [Listening to Texts Read Aloud](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/listening-to-texts-read-aloud-mt_mLPEMpYb_R)
- [Addition as combining or putting together two groups](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-as-combining-or-putting-together-two-groups-mt_OvyoRo47K-)
- [Persisting When It's Hard](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/persisting-when-its-hard-mt_S4G6GLKr1-)

## Opens up

- [Guided Multi-Step Problem Solving](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/guided-multi-step-problem-solving-mt_O_UOTiMvT_)
- [Growth Mindset](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/growth-mindset-mt_pAuo9Op89t)