Not all maths problems are actually maths problems (er, if you know what I mean!).

Take, for example, the problem of house insurance.

This morning I rang our insurance company to check on the following:

“Are our solar panels on our roof covered by insurance?”

The English language does funny things to our brains. Any literal translation of the above question would have to result in useless solar panels. Because they’re USELESS if they’re covered.

But the term “covered” doesn’t mean “covered”! It means “covered”, doesn’t it? Yes, it does.

Now, you and I know EXACTLY what it means.

But pity the poor primary school student who is struggling with literacy AND maths, and can’t interpret this problem.

What hope does he/she have?

That’s why WE do what WE do. Worded maths problems are an essential part of maths understanding and development.

Think about it. But not too long!

Better that you DO something about it! NOW! It can be lots of FUN!