Math · Stage 3
Solve two-step word problems with a bar model
Draw the story as bars, work ONE step at a time — find the hidden middle number first, then finish the problem.
✦ Math📘 Stage 3 · S3⏱ ~12 min🧒 Ages 7–8★ Free to start
I can solve two-step word problems by drawing a bar model and working one step at a time.
📖
Kavi's Acorn Mystery 🌰
Kavi had 35 acorns 🌰, found 18 more on the walk home, then gave 12 to a hungry squirrel. "Two things happened," hoots Kavi, "so I'll draw a bar and take it one step at a time. First the finding: 35 + 18 = 53. Then the giving: 53 − 12 = 41!"
🎓
What your child will learn
1Parts and the wholeA bar model draws a story as bars. Two parts join to make the whole: part + part = whole. Drag the bond to split the bar — the two pieces always rebuild the whole.
2How many more?When a story asks how many more, line the two bars up and look at the gap. The gap is big bar − small bar.
3Find the hidden middle numberA two-step problem hides a middle number you must find first. Story: 24 red + 18 green apples, then 15 are sold. Step 1 — join the bars: tap Step → to add 24 + 18.
4One step feeds the nextIn step 2 the middle number becomes a part of the new bar. Think of the whole as what we had, split into kept and gone. Drag to see a whole break into its two parts.
🔍
A peek inside
Kavi had 35 acorns 🌰, found 18 more, then gave 12 away. How many now?
Draw a bar. Step 1 join: 35 + 18 = 53. Step 2 give: 53 − 12 = 41.
Try this at home: Draw a bar. Kavi had 40 🌰, found 22 more, then gave away 13. Step 1: 40 + 22 = __ · Step 2: __ − 13 = __
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Math · Stage 3 · S3 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.