Multi-Step Word Problems with CUBES Strategy | Mixed Operations | Grade 3

Help students confidently tackle multi-step word problems with this structured, scaffolded math resource designed to support learners who need explicit strategy instruction.

This resource focuses on mixed operations in multi-step situations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, while providing built-in visual supports that guide students through the problem-solving process step by step.

Perfect for upper elementary classrooms, intervention groups, and students who struggle with language-heavy math tasks.

✏️ What Makes This Resource Different?

These are not just word problems — students are taught how to think through them.

Each page includes:

✔️ Built-in CUBES strategy support
Students have dedicated spots to:
• Circle key numbers
• Underline the question
• Box math action words
• Evaluate the problem
• Solve step by step

✔️ Step 1 and Step 2 problem-solving boxes
Multi-step problems are broken down visually so students can:

• Identify what to solve first
• Show work clearly
• Use the answer from Step 1 to complete Step 2

This structure helps students who feel overwhelmed by multi-step problems stay organized and successful.

✔️ Clear workspace to reduce cognitive overload
The layout supports students with executive functioning, language processing, or working memory challenges.

📦 What’s Included

✔ 50 multi-step word problems
✔ 25 printable pages (2 problems per page)
✔ Daily warm-up or math practice format
✔ Built-in CUBES strategy reminders
✔ Step 1 and Step 2 structured problem-solving boxes
✔ Organized workspace for student work

This format works great as a daily word problem routine, morning work, or structured practice during math block.

📘 Skills Practiced

Students will practice:

• Multi-step problem solving
• Addition and subtraction in real-world contexts
• Multiplication and division in real-world contexts
• Determining which operation to use
• Using information from one step to solve the next
• Math reasoning and written work organization
• Understanding math vocabulary such as sum, difference, and total

👩🏫 Perfect For

• Special education support
• Intervention groups
• Inclusion classrooms
• RTI / MTSS math support
• Students who need structured word problem strategies
• Teaching and reinforcing the CUBES method

💡 How You Can Use This Resource

• Math centers
• Small group instruction
• Guided practice
• Independent practice
• Homework
• Test prep
• IEP goal progress monitoring

These scaffolded multi-step word problems help students move from confusion to confidence by giving them the structure, visuals, and strategy support they need to successfully solve mixed-operation word problems.