STAR

**STAR**

**Content** This strategy helps students work out word problems and compute the answer correctly.

**Grade Level** The STAR strategy is often used in the middle school grades but can be adapted to fit the younger and older grades as well.

**Curriculum Standards** M.O.4.1.10 create grade-level real-world appropriate story problems using multiple strategies including simple ratios, justify the reason for choosing a particular strategy and present results. M.O.4.2.4 solve real-world problems involving order of operations including grouping symbols and the four operations. . **Description of Practices** //**S**// Search the word problem: //**T**// Translate the problem: //**A**// Answer the problem: //**R**// Review the solution
 * Read the problem carefully and ask questions like "what do I know?" and "what do I want to know?"
 * Write down the facts.
 * Translate the word problem into an equation.
 * Translate the equation into a picture or use counters.
 * Calculate the answer to the problem
 * Reread the problem
 * Ask yourself does my answer make sense.
 * Check your math.

**Implementation Considerations** I would use this strategy as a whole class procedure to introduce word problems.

**Example** [|STAR Example]

**Citation** Gagnon, Joseph and Paula Maccini. (2008). Mathematics strategy instruction (si) for middle school students with learning disabilities. Improving outcomes for all students K-8. Web site: []

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