"Multi-Step Mental Math Word Problems" is a worksheet that features two separate problems in their own rectangles on each page. Each rectangle includes a multi-step math word problem that is broken down into steps. Students start with a number and solve each problem step-by-step, checking to see if their answer can be found in a string of numbers underneath each step. If they can't find their answer, they know they have to go back and try again.

Lower-level worksheets only include 4 steps, while higher-level worksheets can include up to 6 steps. Each step includes a line where students can write the answer to each step. There is minimal extra space in each box to encourage students to find the answer mentally instead of working out the problem with pencil and paper.

Each worksheet tackles grade-level appropriate problems with:

* Basic operations that include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

* Rounding

* Place value

* Math terminology, like doubling and dozen

* Measurements, like feet and quarts

* Fractions

It's normal for students to rely on solving problems by working out the answer with pencil and paper. You can encourage them to practice solving problems mentally by breaking down multi-step word problems into step-by-step problems that students solve one at a time. Consider timing the worksheet so they have to use mental math to find the final answer in time. You can also allow them to double-check that they got the right answer before moving on to the next step in the problem to reduce frustration.

Choose problems that are appropriate according to ability level to help students build their confidence, even if that means choosing lower-level problems that are relatively easy to solve. Armed with a sense of confidence, they are more likely to tackle more difficult problems in the future.