Two-Step Word Problems: Read, Plan, Solve, Check

About This Resource

A complete Grade 3 math pack on two-step word problems with addition, subtraction and multiplication: finding the hidden question, choosing operations, solving step by step and checking with an estimate. Includes a lesson plan, worksheet, quiz, homework, A5 flashcards, a rubric, detailed slides with speaker notes, Word files and answer keys.

Overview

Children learn a simple routine for problems that need two calculations: read the problem, find the hidden first question, plan the two operations, solve one step at a time and check the answer with an estimate. They practise with problems that combine adding and subtracting, and multiplying then adding or subtracting, match key phrases to operations and write their own two-step problem.

Resource Details

Subject: Math
Topic: Two-Step Word Problems
Category: Problem Solving
File Type: PDF
File Size: 327.1 KB
Published: 30 Oct 2026
Downloads: 0

Members Only

Upgrade to Teacher Pro (from ฿199/month) to download this resource.

Upgrade to Pro Login

Looking for something different? Request a Resource.

Grade 3 (ages 8–9) 45 minutes Problem solving addition subtraction multiplication estimating explaining

Learning Objectives

Identify the two steps needed to solve a word problem.
Choose the correct operation for each step and solve one step at a time.
Check an answer by estimating and asking whether it makes sense.

How to Use This Resource

Model one problem on the board with the four steps: read, plan, solve, check.
Teach the key phrases with the slides, then use worksheet activities 1 to 6.
Use the quiz to check learning and send the homework page home.

Classroom Activity Ideas

Act it out: children use counters or classmates to act out each step of a problem.
Hidden question hunt: children underline the first question that the problem does not ask out loud.
Write your own: pairs write a two-step problem for another pair to solve.

Differentiation

Support: use smaller numbers, counters and a two-box planning frame (Step 1 / Step 2). Challenge: solve problems with three steps and write your own two-step problem with multiplication.

Assessment

Activities 1 and 2 and the quiz check accurate two-step solving; activities 3 to 6 check planning and reasoning. Use the rubric for activity 6.

Teacher Tips

Ask "What do we need to find out first?" before any calculation. Most errors come from doing one step and stopping.

What's Included

12-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 (4 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)