GuideMath · P3 to P6Model Drawing
Model Drawing Starter Guide
The bar model that unlocks word problems.
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Bar model
Draw the parts, then the whole.
1
Rule 1 — One Bar Per Group
Each person / item / group gets its own bar, stacked to compare.
2
Rule 2 — Equal Units
Every unit box must be the same size.
3
Rule 3 — Label Everything
Numbers, unknowns (?) and totals all go on the model.
Common Mistakes
- Uneven boxes
- Missing labels
- Adding the total instead of the parts
Teaching Team Tip
If you can't draw the model in 30 seconds, re-read the question.
Worked Example
Try it, then check the steps
Question
Ben has twice as many stickers as Ali. Together they have 24. How many does each have?
Steps
- 1Ali = 1 unit, Ben = 2 units → 3 units
- 23 units = 24 → 1 unit = 8
- 3Ali = 8, Ben = 16
What to do next
Learn Model Drawing
Everything in the library for this topic