If your students groan every time you pull out a word problem, you’re not alone. Word problems can feel overwhelming and boring to kids — even though they’re a huge part of math success. Getting students excited isn’t as challenging as you might think. The good news? You just need a better way to tackle word problem practice.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make solving word problems fun, the answer is simple: add movement, add teamwork, and turn practice into a game. Let’s dive into why students struggle — and how a low-prep game like trashketball can totally change their attitude.
Why Students Struggle with Word Problems
Even strong math students can get stuck when it comes to word problems. There are a few big reasons why:
- They don’t know where to start. Word problems require reading, planning, and solving — not just doing a quick calculation.
- They feel overwhelming. Word problems don’t just test math skills — they test reading skills and perseverance, too.
- Practice feels boring. Traditional word problem practice often looks like a thick packet of worksheets. Not exactly thrilling.
If we want students to improve, first we need them to want to practice.
How Engagement Changes Everything
When students are engaged, they try harder and stick with it longer— and with a lot less complaining. A worksheet might feel like a chore, but a game feels like a challenge they actually want to win.
Adding movement makes a big difference too. Instead of slouching at their desks, students are up, focused, and excited. Plus, a little friendly competition never hurts.
The bottom line: If you’re wondering how to make solving word problems fun, the answer is to turn practice into something students want to do — not something they have to do.
Trashketball – A Game-Changer for Word Problem Practice
One of my favorite ways to make word problem practice exciting is with a simple game called trashketball.
It’s low-prep, easy to run, and perfect when you need something that grabs students’ attention fast.
Here’s how it works:
- Students solve a word problem.
- If they get it right, they earn a chance to shoot a ball into a basket (or trash can!) for bonus points.
- Teams cheer each other on and celebrate correct answers and great shots.
Why Trashketball works:
- Motivation: Students are eager to solve so they can shoot.
- Low pressure: If they miss the basket, no big deal — they still earned points for solving the problem.
- Teamwork: Students discuss, collaborate, and actually talk about the math.
- Movement: They’re up and moving instead of zoning out at their desks.
Trashketball makes word problem practice feel like recess and math class collaboration — and everyone wins.
🏀 Ready to Try Trashketball?
If you’re ready to make solving word problems fun (and a lot less painful for everyone), I’ve got something to help! Just pick your grade level and get started!
✅ 3rd Grade Math
One- and Two-Step Addition & Subtraction Word Problems
✅ 4th Grade Math
Adding & Subtracting Decimals Word Problems
✅ 5th Grade Math
Multiplying Decimal Word Problems
These games are low-prep, classroom-tested, and ready to go. You’ll get everything you need to run a fun and effective review session — no boring worksheets required.
Final Thoughts
Word problems don’t have to be a struggle. With the right approach, students can feel confident, motivated, and even excited to practice these important skills.
Games like trashketball make math review fun, active, and memorable — and they just might become one of your students’ favorite parts of the day.
Grab your free trashketball game today, and get ready to hear words like, “Can we do another one?” — a phrase that almost never gets said about word problems.
Love trashketball? Check out even more games on TPT. Want to learn more about playing trashketball? Check out these trashketball game tips.
