S:Study the problem. This is referred to as "S" the problem. The first step is to highlight the question. The next step is to answer the question "What is the problem asking me to find?" Always start the answer to this question with the word "the."
O:Organize the facts. This step is referred to as "O" the problem. You must always "S" the problem first, then you may "O" the problem. There are three steps to "O." 1) Identify the facts by striking after each fact. 2) Eliminate unnecessary facts by crossing them out. 3) List the necessary facts.
L:Line up a plan. Students must "S" and "O" the problem before they "L" the problem. In this steps students need to choose the operation or operations they will use to solve the problem. They must use the facts listed in "O" when writing their plan.
V:Verify your plan with action. The first step in this plan is to make an estimate of the answer and writing this estimate in a "thought bubble." Next, students will use the verbal expressions in the "L" step to write a numerical expression or equation that can be solved. This is where they actually do the math and find the answer.
E:Examine the results. In this step, students will ask the questions: "Did you answer what you were asked to find in S?" "Is my answer accurate?" "Is my answer reasonable?" The last step in "E" is to write the answer as a complete sentence.