Have you ever had a student completely shut down during a math lesson—not because they didn’t understand the math, but because they couldn’t read the word problem?
In French primary classrooms, this happens all the time.
Word problems are meant to help students apply their math skills in real-world situations. But for students still learning to read in French, traditional word problems can quickly lead to frustration, confusion, and a loss of confidence.
If this sounds familiar, keep reading—because there’s a simple shift that can make a world of difference: using decodable math word problems that are designed for early readers.
The Problem: When it Comes to Word Problems, Reading Gets in the Way of Math
Many of our young learners have the math strategies they need—especially when it comes to addition and subtraction within 10. The real struggle? Reading and understanding the actual problem.
Here’s what makes traditional French word problems so challenging:
- Long, complex sentence structures
- Unfamiliar vocabulary (ex: en tout, combien reste-t-il, il y avait)
- Irregular spelling and silent letters
- Assumed fluency that many primary students don’t yet have
This means even your strongest math thinkers may feel defeated before they even get started.
The Solution: Decodable Math Word Problems
Decodable math word problems are written with readability in mind—so your students can decode and solve independently, without needing you to read the question aloud.
Here’s what makes them different:
- Simple, short sentences
- High-frequency vocabulary with complex sounds previewed at the top
- Silent letters shown in gray so students don’t try to “sound them out” one letter at a time
- Number lines and manipulatives right on the page for added support
These problems support both math outcomes and French phonics skills—so you’re doubling the impact of your instructional time.
🌱 Year-Round Practice That Grows With Your Students
What I love most about this approach is that it’s designed to grow with your students. I've created a bundle that includes five themed sets of problems—each aligned with seasons and holidays you’re probably already planning for.
Here’s a peek at what’s included:
| Theme | Included Skills |
|---|---|
| 🌷 Spring | Simple addition & subtraction with spring vocabulary |
| ❄️ Winter | Decodable problems with snow, mittens, hot chocolate themes |
| 🍁 Fall | Autumn activities woven into subtraction practice |
| ☀️ Summer | Perfect for review or end-of-year spiral work |
| 📚 Anytime | Neutral, no-theme problems great for anytime of year! |
Each theme includes:
- 10 addition problems
- 10 subtraction problems
- 4 formats:
• Cut & paste with symbols
• Cut & paste without symbols
• Math journal version
• Digital Google Slides™ for whole-group problem-solving
✏️ Use Them However (and Whenever) You Teach Math
These problems are super versatile, which makes them easy to plug into your current routine:
- Math Journals: Students glue in the prompt, draw their thinking, and write their math sentence
- Centers or Rotations: Use the cut & paste versions for hands-on problem-solving
- Whole-Group Mini Lessons: Project the Google Slides™ version and solve together (you can also use the cut & paste student versions alongside the slides)
- Intervention Groups: Great for students who need reading support during math time
And because everything is decodable, your students build reading fluency, phonics, and comprehension every time they solve a problem.
💬 What Other Teachers Are Saying About These Decodable Math Word Problems
“My students love this. I used particular sheets on particular days according to the letter of the week and vocabulary we were focusing on in class. I liked that the equation part at the bottom of the sheets allowed progression of our skills. Great for substitutes too!” - Mary M.
💬 Let’s Talk About Decodable Math Word Problems!
Have your students ever solved a word problem incorrectly—not because of the math, but because they misread the question?
How do you currently support reading in math? I’d love to hear your strategies! Comment below or share your experience with me on Instagram @yourhandle.
🎁 Ready to Try Out Some Decodable Math Word Problems?
If you're looking for a way to support both your readers and your mathematicians, this is it.
📘 Grab the full French Decodable Math Word Problems Bundle on TpT for year-round support
Let’s give our students the tools they need to feel successful in every subject—especially the ones they used to find frustrating.
Want to Read More About My Math Block?
Check out these blog posts!
- How to Help Students Actually Read Math Word Problems in French
- Teaching Math with Small Group Instruction
- A Peek at My Grade One Math Block
