The Problem Solving Routine That Preps Students for Tests
If you have ever watched your students rush through a word problem, grabbing the first numbers they see, or freeze as soon as it looks “too hard,” you are not alone.
I used to dread word problems in my own class. Students would either race to the wrong answer or sit stuck, staring at the page. And when spring testing rolled around? It felt like no matter how many packets or review days we powered through, they were not truly ready.
That is why I started using a problem solving routine. Instead of guessing or rushing, students needed a clear process they could trust. That is how the G.R.I.T. Problem Solving Routine was born.
Stay tuned for a FREE SAMPLE!
What Is the G.R.I.T. Problem Solving Routine?
The G.R.I.T. routine gives students a step-by-step system to lean on every time they face a math word problem.
- Gather the information
- Represent it with a drawing, model, or chart
- Investigate and solve
- Tie it all together with a clear explanation
Instead of rushing to the answer, students learn how to slow down, think critically, and explain their reasoning.
It is simple. It is repeatable. And when students practice it consistently, it sticks.
Why It Works for Every Learner
I cannot tell you how many Sunday nights I spent rewriting word problems just so they worked for students who needed extra support. It was exhausting, and still never felt quite right.
That is why every G.R.I.T. problem includes an accessible version.
The accessible version is not busywork or a different lesson. It is the same problem solving routine with adjusted numbers or context so more students can engage meaningfully.
That means:
- All students are practicing the same routine
- You do not need to spend hours modifying problems yourself
- Everyone leaves class having worked through the same process at their level
How to Try It in Your Classroom
Getting started does not require a new unit plan. It just takes one class period.
Here is how to launch the routine:
- Model the steps on the board and think aloud as you work.
- Solve one problem as a class, letting students suggest different ways to represent the information.
- Give students the second problem to solve independently, then share their explanations with a partner or group.
That is all it takes. One class, and your students will already understand what G.R.I.T. looks like in action.
Beyond the Sample
The free sample has two problems, enough to test out the routine and see how it works in your classroom.
But routines stick when they are built over time. The best way to keep G.R.I.T. alive all year is with fresh, seasonal, real-world word problems that connect to your students’ lives.
That is why I am adding fresh G.R.I.T. problems in The Kupe Collection: Monthly Math Drops.
Each month, teachers inside the collection get:
- New G.R.I.T. problems with both core and accessible versions
- Hands-on math activities like cubes, craftivities, and scavenger hunts
- Seasonal math projects that double as classroom displays
- Ready-to-print resources that save time and keep students engaged
It is everything you need to make math problem solving fresh, consistent, and meaningful without adding more to your plate.
Let’s Make Problem Solving Stick
Your students do not need another test prep packet. They need a routine they can trust. The G.R.I.T. Problem Solving Routine gives them just that and helps you build skills that last far beyond testing season.
👉 Download your free G.R.I.T. sample today and see how your students respond.
And when you are ready to keep the routine going all year, The Kupe Collection: Monthly Math Drops is waiting with fresh resources to make it happen.
