Four types of math 'troubles' kids can have with word problems.

I have a standard simple method for solving all word problems that tends to take the trouble out of them.  First determine which kind of trouble the student is having:

Easiest to solve is the "I can't do this because I didn't really read it".  All I have to do is have the kids read the story outloud to me, maybe with some help pronouncing a strange name, or unusual word.

Slightly more difficult, if you hands are soapy from dishwater, are the "I am too lazy to write out the problem, and it is too hard to solve in my head".  I admit I spoil my kids I write the problem out for them all the time.  My handwriting isn't perfect, but it is prettier than the kids, and knowing the difference between a 6 and 0 helps in math.  (I wean them off of the habit eventually though)

Slightly more time consuming are the "The answer didn't pop out at me so I will pester Mom".  Generally there are really only 4 options.  Add, subtract, multiply or divide.  Most of the time when a kid is telling me there is no way to solve a problem I can ask them to pick an operation and they get it right.  If it doesn't work the first time, we go through the operations, possibly with manipulatives, until one scenario fits the word problem.

Finally we have the Real Challenges.  There are some problems, usually not until later, where the information given doesn't seem sufficient to solve the problem.  In these cases we tend to work backwards, looking at what we wish the problem had told us, and how we can find that info.  Other times I start randomly asking what information we could figure out.  Maybe one tidbit of info will be the key to the final answer.  When I have time, these are actually fun, the satisfaction of solving a logical puzzle is great.  Sadly I rarely have time.