"She knows how to add and subtract… but she can't read the math word problems on her own."
If you’ve ever had a student freeze during math—not because they didn’t know the answer, but because they couldn’t read the problem—you’re not alone. It’s a frustration many of us face in the French primary classroom.
We know how important problem-solving is in the math curriculum. But when students are still developing their French reading skills, even a simple word problem can feel like an impossible puzzle.
So how do we support those learners?
By giving them the right kind of scaffolded, decodable math problems—ones they can actually read and understand.
🚧 The Hidden Barrier When It Comes to Word Problems: Literacy in Math Class
Many of our students have the number sense they need—but get stuck at the reading stage. Especially in French immersion or francophone programs, early learners are navigating:
- unfamiliar vocabulary (ex. combien, il reste, en tout)
- complex sentence structures
- unpredictable spelling patterns
Traditional word problems are often written with more focus on the math than the language—and that’s a problem for students who aren’t fluent readers yet.
For some kids, it’s not about understanding math. It’s about decoding the words on the page.
💡 What Are Decodable Math Word Problems?
Decodable math problems are just like traditional ones—with one important difference:
They're written using controlled vocabulary and brief, phonics-friendly sentences, so that even your developing readers can decode the problem themselves.
Instead of long, wordy instructions or unfamiliar phrasing, decodable problems focus on:
- High-frequency words
- Familiar sentence structures
- Key sounds and spelling patterns students have already learned
- For my first graders, I also add clues like silent letters in grey and sons complexes underlined, as reminders
In other words, they’re accessible—without watering down the math portion.
✨ 3 Ways These Math Word Problems Support Early Readers
Here’s what makes decodable word problems a game-changer in the primary French classroom:
1. Sound Review Is Built Right In
Each problem comes with a list of any tricky sounds or high-frequency words right at the top. This makes it easy to preview with your students before they even begin reading.
It’s like a mini phonics warm-up, tailored to each word problem.
2. Sentences Are Short and Sweet
No extra fluff. No overloaded instructions. Just clear, concise math questions written in student-friendly language.
This makes decoding more manageable and reduces overwhelm—especially for struggling readers.
3. Visual Supports = Less Cognitive Load
Number lines, cut-and-paste manipulatives, and simple math symbols are all included to help students focus on the thinking, not just the reading.
The goal? To help them feel successful and independent during problem-solving time.
📚 How I Use Them in My Classroom
One of the best things about these problems is the flexibility in how you use them. I love rotating between formats depending on our schedule, group size, and focus for the day.
Here’s how I make it work:
- Whole-group lessons: I project a problem using the Google Slides™ version. We decode it together, underline key words, and solve as a class.
- Math journals: Students glue the problem in, draw their strategy, and write their math sentence. This is perfect for quiet, independent practice.
- Small groups & centres: The cut-and-paste options give kids hands-on practice solving problems and writing equations—even before they’re writing fluently.
I especially love how the seasonal themes keep things fresh. In the fall, we might be subtracting apples or adding pumpkins. In the winter, we’re solving cozy, snow-themed problems that still target the same math skills—but in a way that’s fun and engaging.
💬 A Peek Inside: What Makes This Bundle So Special
My French Decodable Math Word Problems Bundle includes:
- 5 themed sets (spring, summer, fall, winter, and anytime)
- 10 addition + 10 subtraction problems per set
- 4 versions of each problem:
• Cut & paste with symbols
• Cut & paste without symbols
• Math journal page
• Google Slides™ interactive version - Sound + word support at the top of every page
- Silent letters shown in gray for easy decoding
It’s designed so that every student—regardless of reading level—can participate in meaningful math work.
I’ve seen the confidence boost firsthand. Students who used to avoid word problems are now excited to read, solve, and explain their thinking out loud.
👇 Let’s Chat
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to word problems in French?
Do your students struggle more with the math or with the reading? I’d love to hear how you approach this in your classroom. Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @mme.andrea to share what’s working for you!
✅ Try It With Your Class!
If you’re ready to help your students read and solve math problems with confidence, check out the full bundle here:
📘 Grab the French Decodable Math Word Problems Bundle on TpT
Let’s help our students master both math and literacy—one decodable word problem at a time.
Looking for More Math Support?
Check out these blog posts to learn more about how I teach math!
- Ending the Year with Fun Summer Math Crafts
- Letter/Numeral Formation Practice in the Primary Grades
- A Peek at My Grade One Math Block
- Teaching Math with Small Group Instruction
