Problem Solving and Literature

Denise at Let’s Play Math has written up a some fourth grade level multi-step word problems (and provided bar model solutions) based on C. S. Lewis’  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. She concludes:

…as word problems become more complex, the bar diagrams offer significant help for students who struggle with the question, “What do I do?” Diagrams make visible the abstract relationships between numbers, enabling the student to decide which arithmetical operation makes sense in the context of the problem.

This is the fourth installment of her series on Pre-Algebra Problem Solving. Other posts  use Mr. Popper’s Penguins and Poor Richard to illustrate problem solving using bar models in earlier grades.

Enjoy!