Upton the Understanding Fish is a key strategy animal in the CCSS-aligned Problem-Solving Pond series. Upton uses a special rhyming poem and 7 problem-solving steps to teach students how to understand and solve a word problem. By segmenting the problem into smaller chunks, Upton strengthens students’ mathematical understanding, builds confidence, and reduces math anxiety. This unit uses a spiral review format so each mathematical understanding lesson builds upon previous lessons, ensuring that students get ample practice of these critical skills.  Upton’s K-3 unit provides differentiation opportunities and has been successfully used in general education, special education, RTI and math intervention settings across the nation.

Upton’s unit includes:

-Introduction to Problem-Solving Pond Unit
-Debuting Upton the Understanding Fish
-Suggestions for Use
-Detailed math intervention lesson plans using gradual release of responsibility
-Keywords for Mathematical Operations Anchor Chart
-Upton’s Problem-Solving Steps Anchor Chart
-12 problem-solving practice pages with differentiation and reflection opportunities
-Student-friendly learning scale
-Essential Questions, Self-Reflection Stems and Discussion Prompts file
-3 problem-solving rubrics
-Hazel Meets the Strategy Animals book