Lesson Plan
Plot Meets Problem
Students will craft a short narrative embedding at least two arithmetic problems (addition/subtraction within 100) and accurately solve them, demonstrating both creative writing and math fluency.
Merging storytelling with math engages learners, deepens understanding of operations, and builds writing skills; small‐group Tier 2 support offers targeted scaffolding to boost confidence and mastery.
Audience
3rd Grade Group (Tier 2 Support)
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Story-driven math tasks with scaffolded supports.
Materials
- Stories & Sums, - Math Story Templates, - Character Math Diary, - Solution Explanations, - Chart paper and markers, and - Pencils and erasers
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Stories & Sums slide deck to familiarize yourself with sample story problems.
- Print one copy per student of Math Story Templates and Character Math Diary.
- Have the Solution Explanations answer key on hand for reference.
- Arrange desks in a small‐group/U-shape to foster collaboration and ensure visibility of chart paper.
Step 1
1. Hook & Warm-Up
10 minutes
- Project the first 3 slides of Stories & Sums featuring a brief sample story (e.g., Anna’s apple count).
- Read aloud and underline the embedded math problem (e.g., 12 + 8).
- Solve together using a number line or manipulatives; invite volunteers to explain their strategy.
- Differentiation: Provide pictorial supports or sentence starters for students needing extra scaffolds.
Step 2
2. Introduce Story Templates & Diary
10 minutes
- Distribute Math Story Templates and Character Math Diary.
- Model how to fill in each section: character, setting, problem context, numeric challenge, solution space.
- Show how to record thinking in the diary, emphasizing drawing or labeling steps.
- Differentiation: Offer a partially completed template or word bank for students who need language support.
Step 3
3. Small-Group Brainstorm
15 minutes
- In groups of 4–5, students brainstorm story ideas and choose two arithmetic challenges to embed.
- Encourage use of manipulatives or number lines for planning calculations.
- Circulate and prompt with questions: “What is your character trying to find or collect? How many will they need?”
- Differentiation: Provide one-on-one coaching for students struggling to generate ideas; pair stronger readers with peers who need support.
Step 4
4. Write & Solve
15 minutes
- Students write their story on the template and solve each problem, showing work in the diary.
- Teacher uses the Solution Explanations to check student work and offer corrective feedback.
- Encourage students to draw diagrams or number bonds if helpful.
- Differentiation: Allow use of calculators or additional manipulatives for students with persistent computation challenges.
Step 5
5. Share & Reflect
10 minutes
- Students take turns reading their story and solution to a peer partner.
- Partners check for accuracy using the answer key and provide positive feedback.
- Conduct a brief whole-group discussion: “Which strategy helped you solve your math challenge? How did the story make the problem more interesting?”
- Assessment: Collect completed templates and diaries to review correctness of solutions and depth of narrative.
Slide Deck
Stories & Sums
Today we’ll look at sample stories with hidden math challenges, practice picturing them, and solve step by step.
Welcome! Explain that in this deck we’ll explore how to turn everyday situations into fun math stories. Point out today’s goals: recognize embedded problems and practice visualization and solving.
Sample Story 1: Anna’s Apples
Anna picked 12 apples from the tree. Her friend gave her 8 more. How many apples does Anna have now?
Project this slide. Read Anna’s story aloud. Ask students to underline the numbers. Then invite them to identify the addition problem.
Sample Story 2: Mike’s Marbles
Mike had 45 marbles. He lost 17 on the playground. How many marbles does he have left?
After solving slide 2 together, project this slide. Read Mike’s story and ask partners to talk about the subtraction problem hidden in the text.
Visualization Prompt
Use this number line to solve Anna’s apples.
Start at 12 → add 8 → where do you land?
Introduce visualization strategies. Explain how number lines help picture the problem. Point out the blank number line and model filling in start and end points.
Your Math Story Template
- Character: _______
- Setting: _______
- Story Problem: _______
- Show your work below or in your Character Math Diary.
Highlight each section of the story template. Explain students will name a character, setting, problem context, then write their own embedded math problem and solution.
Step-by-Step Solution: Anna’s Apples
- Write the problem: 12 + 8
- Draw a number line from 12 →
- Jump +8: 12→20 (8 jumps)
- Answer: 20 apples
Project worked solution for Anna’s apples. Walk through each jump of the number line. Emphasize counting forward by 8.
Step-by-Step Solution: Mike’s Marbles
Method A: Count back
- Start at 45
- Jump −10 → 35, then −7 → 28
- Answer: 28 marbles
Method B: Think “? + 17 = 45” → 28
Show the subtraction strategy for Mike’s marbles. You can count back or use missing-addend thinking. Model both if time allows.
Reflect & Discuss
• Which strategy helped you the most: number line or thinking-addend?
• How did picturing the story make solving easier?
• What part of the template will you use first?
Use these reflection questions to spark discussion at the end of your lesson. Encourage students to reference their diary drawings or number lines.
Worksheet
Math Story Templates
Use the templates below to craft your own fun story that includes two math challenges. After writing your story, solve each problem and show your work clearly.
Story Template 1
1. Character: _______________________________
2. Setting: _______________________________
3. Write your story (at least 3 sentences):
4. Math Problem 1: Write the problem here (e.g., 14 + 9 = ___): ________________________
Show your work for Problem 1:
Answer to Problem 1: ________________________
5. Math Problem 2: Write the problem here (e.g., 37 − 15 = ___): ________________________
Show your work for Problem 2:
Answer to Problem 2: ________________________
Story Template 2
1. Character: _______________________________
2. Setting: _______________________________
3. Write your story (at least 3 sentences):
4. Math Problem 1: Write the problem here: ________________________
Show your work for Problem 1:
Answer to Problem 1: ________________________
5. Math Problem 2: Write the problem here: ________________________
Show your work for Problem 2:
Answer to Problem 2: ________________________
Journal
Character Math Diary
Use this diary to reflect on the math problems you created and solved in your stories. Draw, write, and think deeply about your strategies and set goals for next time!
1. My Favorite Math Story
Which story problem did you enjoy the most?
- Title of your story: ________________________________
- Briefly summarize the situation and the math challenge:
2. Strategy Sketch
Draw or write a model to show how you solved your favorite problem.
(Example models: number line, diagram, number bond, etc.)
3. Explain Your Thinking
Step by step, describe how you arrived at your answer.
- What was your first step?
- What operations did you use?
- How did each step lead to the next?
4. Challenge Reflection
Think about something that was tricky or surprising.
- What part of the problem gave you the most challenge?
- How did you overcome it?
- If you could do it again, what would you do differently?
5. Self-Assessment & Next Steps
Rate your work and set a goal for your next math story.
- I feel confident in my solution and explanation. (Circle one)
Not yet 1 2 3 4 5 Absolutely! - My drawing/model helped me understand the problem. (Circle one)
Not yet 1 2 3 4 5 Absolutely! - Next time, I want to focus on:
- ☐ Making my story more detailed
- ☐ Trying a new strategy (e.g., number bond, missing-addend)
- ☐ Explaining my steps more clearly
- ☐ Another goal: ____________________________
Answer Key
Solution Explanations
Sample Problem 1: Anna’s Apples
Problem: Anna picked 12 apples from the tree. Her friend gave her 8 more. How many apples does Anna have now?
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Write the equation: 12 + 8 = ___
- Method A – Number Line Model:
- Draw a number line starting at 12.
- Make 8 equal jumps forward: 12 → 20.
- Landing point (20) is the answer.
- Method B – Decompose and Add:
- Break 8 into 5 + 3.
- Add in two steps: 12 + 5 = 17, then 17 + 3 = 20.
- Answer: 20 apples
Sample Problem 2: Mike’s Marbles
Problem: Mike had 45 marbles. He lost 17 on the playground. How many marbles does he have left?
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Write the equation: 45 − 17 = ___
- Method A – Count Back:
- Subtract 10 first: 45 − 10 = 35.
- Then subtract the remaining 7: 35 − 7 = 28.
- Method B – Missing-Addend Thinking:
- Ask: “What plus 17 equals 45?”
- Find the missing number: 28 + 17 = 45.
- Answer: 28 marbles
Teacher Checklist for Student-Created Story Problems
For each student‐embedded problem, confirm:
- Correct operation choice (addition for combining, subtraction for taking away).
- Equation is written clearly in the template.
- Work is shown (number line, number bond, or written steps).
- Intermediate steps are accurate and logical.
- Final answer matches the work shown.
Optional Scoring Rubric
Narrative (4 points total):
- 1 pt: Character is named.
- 1 pt: Setting is described.
- 1 pt: Story has at least three sentences.
- 1 pt: Math challenge is integrated into the plot.
Each Math Problem (4 points each):
- 1 pt: Equation set up correctly according to the story context.
- 1 pt: Work shown clearly (diagram or stepwise writing).
- 1 pt: Strategy is explained in words or drawings.
- 1 pt: Correct final answer.
Total Possible: Narrative (4) + Problem 1 (4) + Problem 2 (4) = 12 points