Activity
Holiday word problem visualizations: Math “drawings” using a brailler
Does your student create simple 'drawings' when solving simple word problems?
Students typically begin learning basic addition and subtraction word problems in Kindergarten or 1st grade, depending on their developmental readiness and curriculum standards. In kindergarten, word problems are very basic problems involving small numbers (0–10), often presented with visual aids like objects, pictures or manipulatives. Students often draw pictures to represent word problems because it helps them visualize and conceptualize the problem. This strategy is especially effective for younger learners as it makes abstract mathematical ideas more concrete. Here’s why this method works and some alternatives for students with different needs:
Why Drawing Pictures Helps
- Visualization: Drawing allows students to create a mental picture of the problem, which can clarify relationships between quantities.
- Example: For “You have 4 cats and adopt 2 more. How many cats do you have now?”, a student might draw four cats, add two more and then count all the cats.
- Engagement: Visualizing through drawing keeps students engaged, especially in early grades where hands-on or creative activities enhance learning.
- Breaks Down Problems: It simplifies multi-step problems by representing each step with a part of the drawing.
- Error Checking: A picture can help students identify mistakes if their solution doesn’t align with their visual representation.
Word problem visualizations with art supplies
All students use math manipulatives, such as counting bears or stackable math blocks, when they first learn to count, add, subtract and develop other foundational math skills. As they progress, students often create their own drawings or visualizations to solve word problems. But how can braille students approach drawing pictures for word problems? A common solution involves using foam shape stickers or other tactile art supplies, which provide a hands-on way to represent concepts. While this is a quick and effective method, challenges arise when art supplies are unavailable or prohibited during high-stakes assessments.
Word problem visualizations with a Perkins brailler
Students with vision often create visualizations using pencil and paper, drawing objects mentioned in the word problem or using tally marks to represent them. Similarly, braille readers can “draw” representations of simple word problems efficiently using a braille writer, allowing them to visualize the problem in a tactile format.
Example word problem #1: Use the cat example above: “You have 4 cats and adopt 2 more. How many cats do you have now?” To produce the word problem on a braille writer, type a letter “c” for each cat and space between two sets of cats.
Example: The student should type “cccc cc” to represent the cat word problem.
Example word problem #2: “Grandma decorated 10 sugar cookies. Grandpa ate 4 cookies. How many are left?” To produce the word problem on the braille writer, type a letter “c” for each cookie. Then, backspace and type the contraction “for” (dots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) over each “c” that Grandpa ate.
Example: The student should type “cccccccccc”. Then backspace and type the contraction “for” over the last 4 “c’s” leaving 6 “c’s”.
Note: Instead of typing the “for” contraction over the letter, the student could erase the last four letters. However, it is easier to review the word problem when using the “for” contraction.
Example word problem #3: “Susan put 6 presents under the Christmas tree. The next day, Brian’s added 3 more presents. How many presents are under the tree?” These examples are basic word problems; however, the word problems in higher grades will become more complex. It’s helpful to choose different letters to represent each item in the word problem. In this example, Susan’s presents could be represented by the letter “s” for Susan, and Brian’s presents could be represented by the letter “b” for Brian.
Example: The student should type “ssssss bbb”.
Providing multiple ways to solve problems ensures all students can develop strong mathematical reasoning, regardless of their learning style or physical abilities.
Word problem activity
Use the examples above to teach students how to create word problem visualizations using a braille writer. Once they understand the process, provide regular opportunities to practice this skill. You can use the attached Holiday Word Problems, word problems from the student’s math class or create your own with math content tailored to the student’s needs.
Holiday Word Problems document
By Diane Brauner
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