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Word Problems- “Change it up!”    
While organizing and preparing to change classrooms I ran across these giant coins that I purchased a long time ago.  Oh, but how to use them? Then it dawned on me. I will hand out random amounts of change to each table (group of 4 desks).   The students will first determine the total.  Each student will then write a word problem and solve it, using their amount.  This will give kids exposure to writing a word problem and understanding them from the outside in.  To add a twist to the game, give each group a mystery word and have them incorporate this work into their word problem.  Once students are done share their problems.  Extension- Have students work in groups and combine the best of the best ideas and create one superb word problem.