Focus specifically on the information provided in word problems. Teach students to read for meaning, rather than searching for key words, when trying to identify the operation to use for a math word problem. Have students create new story problems, and reword existing problems in such a way that essential information remains the same, but is worded differently. Also, have students alter important information in a problem and talk about how the problem has been changed. Ask students to help you come up with topic ideas for word problems, e.g., situations related to sports, popular music groups or performers, your own school, etc.
Students are more likely to be interested in topics that have relevance to their lives.
Have students paraphrase word problems for each other. Create partner pairs where one student reads a word problem silently, then provides the necessary information to his partner so the partner can do the solution. Have students compare textbook word problems to real life situations. In a real life situation, students would want to consider other factors, such as sales tax, customer discounts, etc.