Draw the Bar: Bar Models for Word Problems

About This Resource

A complete Grade 2 math pack on solving addition and subtraction word problems with bar models. Children draw part-whole bars (two parts make a whole) and comparison bars (how many more), decide whether to add or subtract, find a missing part, solve one- and two-step problems and write their own story problems. Includes slides with worked examples, a lesson plan, worksheet, quiz, homework, flashcards, a rubric and answer keys.

Overview

A bar model is a simple drawing that helps children see the structure of a word problem. In a part-whole model, two parts make the whole: if we know both parts, we add; if we know the whole and one part, we subtract to find the missing part. In a comparison model, two bars are drawn one above the other, and the difference is the extra piece on the longer bar. Children read a problem, decide which model fits, label the bars with the numbers they know and a question mark, choose the operation and check their answer. They solve one-step and simple two-step problems and write story problems of their own.

Resource Details

Subject: Math
Topic: Bar Models for Word Problems
Category: Problem Solving
File Type: PDF
File Size: 266.2 KB
Published: 13 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 2 math (ages 7–8) 50 minutes Problem solving addition subtraction reasoning representing problems

Learning Objectives

Draw part-whole and comparison bar models for word problems.
Decide whether to add or subtract by looking at the model.
Solve one- and two-step word problems and check the answer.

How to Use This Resource

Start with the slides: read a problem about 45 red and 27 blue beads. Draw the bar model together.
Teach part-whole and comparison models with the worked examples, then do worksheet activities 1 and 2 together.
Children complete activities 3 to 6, then use the quiz and take home the homework page.

Classroom Activity Ideas

Strip models: children use paper strips of different lengths to build part-whole models.
Act it out: two children stand as parts; the class says the whole.
Story maker: children write a story problem for a bar model drawn by the teacher.

Differentiation

Support: give bar templates and numbers to 50. Challenge: children solve two-step problems and draw two models, one for each step.

Assessment

Use the worksheet and quiz to check that children choose the right operation. Use the rubric while children explain their bar models.

Teacher Tips

Bars do not need to be measured exactly, but the whole should be longer than each part. Ask children to put a question mark where the unknown number goes before they calculate. Key words like more do not always mean add, so the model is safer than looking for key words.

What's Included

10-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (6 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (6 activities)
Quiz / assessment (3 parts)
Homework practice page
Printable flashcards: 6 A5 picture cards (separate PDF)
Assessment rubric (4 levels)
Lesson slides (editable PowerPoint)
Editable Word version of all student pages
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)

Additional Files

Lesson Slides (PPTX)
Editable Student Pages and Lesson Plan (DOCX)
A5 Flashcards (PDF)
Answer Key (PDF)

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