MINT HILL, NC – Some parents and students express concern about word problems.  Parents are concerned that their children are not able to solve word problems successfully. At times, children second guess themselves when attempting to solve them on their own. It is possible for a student to do well in math, but struggle with word problems. A student needs to be able to identify which operation (or operations) needs to be used to solve the problem. Identifying the appropriate operation could also prove to be a challenge; even for students who are able to read well.  When a student sees a phrase like, “how many in all”, they should be able to identify that the operation used in that particular word problem is addition. It is important to teach a child a step-by-step system he can use to work through his word problems. First, the student should read and reread the word problem. Reading and rereading the problem will help the student to begin to understand the problem. Second, determine what information is presented in the word problem. Third, the student should look for keywords to help him determine which operation to use to solve the word problem (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division). Lastly, check your work. The student should look over his work to make sure he solved the problem correctly. Like and follow us on Facebook @KumonOfCharlotteMintHill on Twitter @KumonMintHill and Instagram @kumonatminthill. Visit our website at www.kumon.com/charlotte-mint-hill to set up a free parent orientation at our learning center.