Numeracy Update

Supporting Problem Solving in Mathematics: The CUBES Strategy  

In Mathematics, students are learning to use the CUBES strategy to help them break down and solve worded problems. Word problems can sometimes feel overwhelming, so CUBES provides a clear way for students to identify important information and understand what the question is asking.

CUBES encourages students to:

• Circle the important numbers
• Underline the question being asked
• Box key words that may indicate the mathematical operation (such as add, subtract, multiply or divide)
• Evaluate and plan how to solve the problem
• Solve the problem and check that the answer makes sense

Using this strategy helps students:

Organise information clearly

Develop logical, step-by-step problem-solving skills

Check their answers in a systematic way

Apply their thinking to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and multi-step problems

The most helpful way to support your child at home is to focus on making sense of the problem rather than simply following a set process. Encourage your child to read the problem carefully and think about the story it is telling.

You can help by reading the problem together and asking questions such as: What is happening at the beginning, middle and end of the story? What do we need to find out? Talking through the situation helps children understand the context before trying to solve it.

Children can also use different strategies to represent the problem, such as acting it out, drawing pictures, creating tables or diagrams, or even working backwards from the answer. These approaches help students visualise the situation and develop flexible problem-solving skills.

Much of the mathematics we use in everyday life involves solving problems. Developing these skills helps children learn how to use the knowledge and strategies they already have and apply them to real-life situations with confidence.

Colleen Monaghan | Numeracy Leader