Identifying All Operations in One Step Word Problems Single Step Math Strategies

Do your students have trouble identifying operations in word problems?  Then these One Step Word Problems All Operations Games are for you!  This math word problem strategies resource includes 30 unique sorts and 240 single step word problems for whole numbers, decimals, & fractions.  Problem-solving has never been this much fun!

Perfect for math intervention, whole group instruction, or math centers, this Choose the Operation game includes 30 rounds so students can enjoy it again & again!

This “Identifying Operations in Word Problems Activity” includes: 

✅ 30 Rounds of Choose the Operation (10 Whole Number, 10 Fraction, 10 Decimal)

✅ 30 decks of 8 Word Problem Cards (240 unique word problems)

✅ Teacher Implementation Guide

✅ Answer Key for Easy Self-Check

This bundle includes the following Choose the Operation Games:

• Choose the Operation with Whole Numbers Sorting Game
• Choose the Operation with Decimals Sorting Game
• Choose the Operation with Fractions Sorting Game

See why over TWO HUNDRED teachers are using this Choose the Operation game in their classrooms!

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This resource helped facilitate conversations about what operations are used. I am excited to have the full bundle to use throughout the year.” -Audrey V. 

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “LOVED this. I love that this game has them practice the skill of identifying which operation without also having them solve the problem!” -Eden P.  

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I used this as a small group intervention after our benchmark with students who can do the computation but struggle with the operation. It was great for them to have to sort the questions before even starting the computation.” -Jane D. 

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great warm-up activity for my students. I had them sort and solve, just sort, or sort and choose one to solve- so many options! Great to have exposure to so many different story problems.”  -TpT Buyer 

I hear it from teachers ALL. THE. TIME …

“My students know how to multiply and how to divide with fluency, they just don't know WHEN to use each operation! They are excellent at solving word problems when we are working on one specific operation, but when all operations are mixed up, it's a disaster!” 

How can I use these Choose the Operation Games?  

• Math centers
• Small group remediation 
• Tutoring or homeschool 
• Partner work
• Whole group activity (with class discussion after each round) 
• Independent Practice
• Take-home activity (students can even glue the word problems & bring them back the next day to check) 
• Challenge for early finishers 

How does this activity help students with identifying operations in word problems? 

• As teachers, we know that solving a word problem and choosing the operation for a word problem are two very different skills. 
• It’s one thing to be able to multiply fractions with fluency, but it’s quite another to know WHEN you are supposed to multiply fractions. 
• This Choose the Operation game narrows the focus.  By removing the “solve” part of the equation, students can get much more practice in a short amount of time.  This allows them to master the skill of “identifying operations in word problems.” 
• Built-in scaffolding means that in the early rounds, students are just choosing between two commonly mixed-up operations (Addition vs. Subtraction, Multiplication vs. Division, or Addition vs. Multiplication).  Then in later rounds students must choose between all 4 operations. 
• The more students play this game, the more they begin to notice patterns when identifying operations in word problems- for example- “I’ve noticed that the two quantities in multiplication problems do not have the same label, but in addition problems they usually do!”  You will be amazed by what your students notice! 
• Early finishers can always go back and solve the problems! 

Do your students SHUT DOWN when they see word problems? 

Mine too!  This game makes word problems feel less scary.  It removes the barrier to entry because students know they don’t have to solve them.  They don’t even have to write anything.  They simply have to sort the word problems into categories.  The early rounds only ask students to choose between two operations.  This built-in scaffolding builds confidence and makes word problems feel more manageable to kids, especially to those who typically struggle identifying operations in word problems! 

What grade levels is this Choose the Operation game intended for? 

This game is designed for 5th grade, but could easily be used as a review for any middle school (or even high school) math classroom.  I mean honestly, have you ever had a group of students who were just crushing it at word problems?!  Yeah, that’s what I thought…

What about 4th grade?  The whole number word problems are perfect for 4th grade, however the fraction & decimal word problems go beyond the common core standards for 4th grade.  This would still make an excellent challenge activity for 4th graders since they don’t actually have to solve the problems! 

Did you know this Choose the Operation Game has a digital version? 

❤️❤️ Choose the Operation Games for Google Drive ❤️❤️

Save 40% when you buy the BIG game bundle: 

Fifth-Grade Math Games for the Entire Year

Need more to help with identifying operations in word problems?
Sally’s got a ten-day unit for you! 

Choose the Operation Worksheets Bundle (Over 80 Pages!) 

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