Draw a picture strategy
Turn a word problem into a diagram or simple sketch.
Quick answer
When you have a word problem, drawing a picture helps you understand what is happening and makes it easier to find the answer.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to use the Draw a Picture strategy to solve word problems by turning the words into a simple sketch or diagram.
Success signs:
- You can draw a picture that shows what the problem is about
- You can use your picture to help you find the answer
- You can explain what your picture shows
- You can check your answer using your picture
Why this matters
Many word problems can be confusing when you only read the words. Drawing a picture helps you see the problem clearly, just like using a map to find your way. This strategy is useful in school, when you're shopping, or even when you're planning a party or building with blocks. It's a tool that helps you think through problems step by step.
How it works
When you have a word problem, follow these simple steps:
- Read the problem carefully – Make sure you understand what is happening
- Think about what to draw – Decide what objects or situations are in the problem
- Draw a simple picture – Use lines, shapes, or dots to show the problem
- Use your picture to solve – Count, group, or add what you see
- Check your answer – Does your picture show the right solution?
Examples you can see
Let's try a few examples together. Imagine you are at the park and you see some ducks.
Example 1: Ducks at the Pond
There are 3 ducks on the pond. 2 more ducks come to join them. How many ducks are there now?
Step 1: Read the problem – we have 3 ducks and 2 more join them.
Step 2: Think about what to draw – we can draw ducks!
Step 3: Draw a picture – Draw 3 ducks, then draw 2 more ducks.
Step 4: Use your picture – Count all the ducks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Step 5: Check – Yes, 3 + 2 = 5 ducks.
Example 2: Sharing Cookies
Mum has 12 cookies. She wants to share them equally between 4 children. How many cookies does each child get?
Step 1: Read the problem – 12 cookies shared by 4 children.
Step 2: Think about what to draw – draw cookies and children.
Step 3: Draw a picture – Draw 12 circles (cookies) and 4 boxes (children).
Step 4: Use your picture – Put 1 cookie in each box, then 2, then 3. Each child gets 3 cookies.
Step 5: Check – 3 cookies × 4 children = 12 cookies.
Example 3: Building Blocks
Tommy builds a tower with 5 layers. Each layer has 4 blocks. How many blocks does he use?
Step 1: Read the problem – 5 layers, 4 blocks each.
Step 2: Think about what to draw – draw layers and blocks.
Step 3: Draw a picture – Draw 5 rows with 4 blocks in each row.
Step 4: Use your picture – Count all the blocks by rows or by counting 4 five times.
Step 5: Check – 5 × 4 = 20 blocks.
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Treasure Hunt
You are going on a treasure hunt! You start at the big tree and walk 3 steps north, then 4 steps east. Where are you now? Draw a picture of your journey.
Step 1: Draw a big tree in the middle of your paper.
Step 2: Draw a line going up 3 steps (north).
Step 3: From the end of that line, draw a line going right 4 steps (east).
Step 4: Your treasure is where the second line ends!
Step 5: Count the total steps: 3 + 4 = 7 steps.
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Drawing too many details or making the picture too complicated.
- Why it happens: You might want to make it look nice, but it can confuse you.
- Fix: Keep your picture simple – just the main parts of the problem.
- Mistake: Not reading the whole problem before drawing.
- Why it happens: You might rush and miss important information.
- Fix: Read the problem at least twice before drawing anything.
- Mistake: Forgetting to check your answer using your picture.
- Why it happens: You might be excited to finish and skip checking.
- Fix: Always go back to your picture and make sure it matches your answer.
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child use the Draw a Picture strategy in just a few minutes:
- Ask questions: "What do you think this problem is about?" "What should you draw?"
- Encourage simplicity: "Just draw the main parts, not a full scene."
- Help check: "Does your picture match your answer?"
- Be patient: Let your child draw and think through the problem at their own pace.
- Use everyday life: Try the strategy with real problems like sharing snacks or planning a trip.
Don't worry if your child makes mistakes – that's how they learn! The most important thing is that they understand the problem and can use their picture to help them find the answer.
Practice questions
There are 6 apples in a basket. 3 more apples are added. How many apples are there now?
Answer: 9 apples
Lily has 10 stickers. She gives 4 to her friend. How many does she have left?
Answer: 6 stickers
A box has 5 rows of pencils. Each row has 6 pencils. How many pencils are there in total?
Answer: 30 pencils
There are 8 birds on a tree. 2 fly away. How many are left?
Answer: 6 birds
Sammy has 15 candies. He shares them equally between 3 friends. How many candies does each friend get?
Answer: 5 candies
FAQ
Why should I draw a picture when solving a word problem?
It helps you understand what the problem is asking. When you see it in a picture, it's easier to think about how to solve it.
Can I draw anything I want?
You can draw what helps you understand the problem. It doesn't have to be fancy – just clear and helpful.
What if I don’t know what to draw?
Try drawing the main objects or actions in the problem. For example, if it's about sharing, draw people and items.
Is this strategy only for young children?
No! Even older students can use drawing to help them solve difficult problems. It's a useful tool at any age.
How can I practice this at home?
Look for word problems in books, newspapers, or even on the back of cereal boxes. Try drawing a picture for each one!