This Problem-Solving Graphic Organizer can be used often and flexibly. It is designed to help students "enter" a problem-solving task by first determining the important information and coming up with a plan for solving. There is a place for them to ask questions related to the task and can help support you in providing the correct prompts for individual students. (Note:this space may or may not be completed by the student.) They should show their thinking with either an illustration, model or abstract numerical representation. Finally, they should highlight their solution and defend their reasoning through mathematical communication.

This is not a one-size-fits-all graphic organizer and is designed to individualize the problem-solving process for each student. As always, be sure to give students time to share their thinking and critique the reasoning of their peers.

Here is a modified version of the same graphic organizer: Modified Problem-Solving Graphic Organizer .