Problem Solving Strategies Posters

Well it has been a day or so since I was inspired to create something or post something.   Even after I said I was done,I actually went to school again on Thursday. My hubby really helped me out by drilling a hole in my desk and creating a hole for all my computer cords to come up through rather than get twisted around my feet.  I also learned the value of zip ties from him.  I got a package at Dollar Tree and used them to tie all the cords together.  He put a "desk grommet" (found it at Lowe's) into the hole and now my desk is much neater!  I love it!  He also got up on the ladder for me and hung these really cute gold star cut outs I also found at Dollar Tree the other day.  He put up 9 of them and they really add some extra "je ne sais quoi" to the room.  Even he liked them, and he thinks my room is "overstimulating". 

Anyhow, how does this relate to Problem Solving Strategies?  Well he had to solve a couple of problems which cropped up during the "hole installation" and I thought to myself, where are my problem solving strategy posters?  I don't have ANY problem solving strategy posters!  I bought one a few years ago to go with the "Problem Solver" binder I had purchased (but didn't use).  I really didn't like it, so I gave it to the grade 4 teacher down the hall.

I wanted some really simple posters which would remind my students that there are a variety of different strategies they can use to solve problems.  I have found with gifted students that they tend to feel they cannot "use concrete materials" or "act it out".  When they are asked on standardized tests "How did you solve the problem?" Or "How do you know your answer is correct?", I often see the answer "I just know." 

Each year my students make a "Math Survival Guide" (I will write a post about this in the next few weeks while the kids are creating them and I take some pics).  I have the students record information (words, definitions, pictures, examples) from each of the 5 strands in the survival guide during the year.  Last year I asked them to also create a section for problem solving strategies. Most of the students copied down the list of strategies I gave them, and a few added some of their own.

If you look at the pictures of my classroom you will see I have a LOT of mathematics posters in my room.  I actually have several hundred (yes, I said hundred) more new ones I have made and laminated.  I need to find a place to put them up.  For now, I will use them as I introduce and teach a strand. 

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I plan to print these posters I made today and put them up (somewhere) in my classroom for reference and to remind my students that there are a variety of strategies which they are encouraged to use.  Please feel free to download a FREE copy for your own use.  I hope that you find them useful!