Meaning First Math™ Word Problem Mastery
Your child knows the math — but word problems turn homework into stress and tears.
We teach children to understand the story first — so they know what the math is asking and can solve word problems calmly and independently.
If Word Problems Look Like This at Home…
Your child rushes to grab numbers and guess
They see "more" and always add
Multi-step problems shut them down
You hear "I don't get it" even though they know their math facts
Homework turns into tension, not learning
You're not doing anything wrong. And neither is your child.
This is not a motivation issue. It's a comprehension issue.
This is the difference between doing homework and learning how to think.
What We Discovered
She Could Label the Problem.
She Still Couldn't Solve It.
We worked with a student who could look at a word problem and correctly say "This is a Compare problem."
But when it came time to choose the operation, she froze.
We asked: "Why did you pick subtraction?"
Her answer: "I was taught that's what you do for Compare problems."
She knew the label, but not the meaning. She was following a rule — not reasoning through the situation.
That's the gap this program closes.
We don't just teach kids to categorize problems. We teach them to understand what's actually happening — so the right operation becomes obvious.
The Core Insight
It's Not About Numbers First.
It's About Meaning First.
Word problems hide math inside language.
Most children are taught to:
Look for numbers
Guess an operation
Hope it works
This fails the moment problems get longer or more complex.
We teach children to:
Understand what's happening in the story
Know what they're looking for
Choose the operation with confidence — and explain why
Once the story is clear, the math becomes obvious.
The Method
A Proven 4-Step Routine
Used on every problem. Every time.
Every child learns the same routine — a consistent process they can apply to ANY word problem.
No guessing. No keywords. No panic.
Parents often tell us homework becomes shorter, calmer, and far less emotional.
By Week 2, they're starting the routine on their own.
By Week 8, they're solving multi-step problems independently.
The routine works because it separates understanding the problem from doing the calculation. Most kids try to do both at once — and that's where they get stuck.
Why Children Struggle with Math Word Problems — And What Changes in 8 Weeks
Before
✗ Freezes when seeing a word problem
✗ Grabs numbers without understanding
✗ Can't explain why an answer is right
✗ Needs constant help
After 8 Weeks
✓ Reads calmly and follows a clear routine
✓ Understands what the problem is asking
✓ Chooses operations with confidence
✓ Explains their thinking out loud
✓ Works independently
Why This Works When Other Things Haven't
It's a System
Not random tips. A repeatable routine they use on every single problem. Same steps, every time.
They Explain Out Loud
Thinking stays in kids' heads. We pull it out. When they explain their reasoning, confusion becomes visible — and fixable.
One-on-One
Not a group class. Not a video course. Live instruction adapted to exactly where YOUR child gets stuck. Especially effective for ESL learners who need extra support with the language of math.
16 Lessons. 8 Weeks. Measurable Progress.
Week 2
Starts the routine independently
Week 4
Chooses correct operations on mixed problems
Week 6
Handles remainders and complex language
Week 8
Solves multi-step problems without freezing
Progress isn't vague. You can see it.
Is Math Word Problem Tutoring Right for Your Child?
Perfect fit if your child...
Is in grades 3-5
Knows basic math facts but struggles with word problems
Guesses operations instead of reasoning through them
Gets frustrated with multi-step problems
Needs a consistent system, not more worksheets
Not the right fit if...
They're still learning basic addition/subtraction facts
They need help with computation, not comprehension
You're looking for homework help, not a structured program
They can't commit to twice-weekly sessions for 8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Fix Word Problems — For Good?
Meaning First Math™
Word Problem Mastery for Grades 3–5
What's Included:
You don't need to decide right now. Many families start with the free consultation to make sure it's the right fit.
One-time payment
Want to talk through your child's specific situation first?
Book a Free 15-Minute ConsultationThen enroll when you're ready.
Meaning before math.
Understand the story. The math becomes obvious.