Designed for fifth grade mathematics teachers, the three inservice sessions described in this booklet balance the theoretical with the practical and show teachers how to help students through the activity of writing word problems based on their own experiences. Using a total language-thinking approach to helping students read and solve word problems, the first section, entitled "Language," involves teachers in demonstration lessons with students and discussions with other teachers on the relationship between reading and mathematics, the special language of mathematics, and the growth of language through the use of language. The second session, "Thinking," contains information on Jean Piaget's three stages of thought. It emphasizes the need for teachers to focus not only on language that promotes mathematical reading ability, but also on promoting and encouraging competent problem solving skills through a conscious attempt to teach for thinking. The third session, "Computation," involves the teachers in reviewing the content of the previous two sessions, going through the steps of solving problems, and spending time with other teachers discussing their successes, failures, and questions related to reading word problems in classrooms. An evaluation form, additional ideas and activities for student-developed word problems, and a list of references are included. (RL)