Single Digit Addition Problems Worksheet

Adding two one-digit numbers is the very first addition skill a child owns completely, and it is the foundation every later math standard is built on. First graders who know their basic facts stop counting on their fingers, start recognizing number pairs on sight, and free up the thinking room they need for regrouping, place value, and word problems. This single digit addition problems worksheet gives students twelve clean column problems to solve plus one short story problem, so they practice the facts and then use them in a real situation.

The page is laid out the way a first grader reads best: each problem sits in its own box with a numbered circle, the two addends stack in a place-value column, and there is generous white space under the line for the child to write the sum. Seven of the twelve facts cross the ten, which is exactly the make-a-ten thinking the grade should be building. Part B ends the sheet with a bird-counting story problem and a picture that matches the numbers, so this 1st grade addition worksheet moves a student from computing to reasoning in one page. Use it as morning work, guided practice, a math-center task, homework, or a quick check before a unit test.

What’s Included

• 1 print-ready PDF worksheet
• Answer key
• 12 single-digit column addition problems with sums to 18
• 1 illustrated addition word problem with a writing line

This resource helps kids learn addition in three ways. First, the repetition is purposeful: twelve varied fact pairs give students enough reps to build automaticity without turning the page into a wall of numbers. Second, the column format on this single digit addition problems worksheet teaches students to line the ones place up correctly, which is the habit that keeps their work accurate once the numbers grow to two and three digits. Third, the word problem asks a child to decide that addition is the right operation, which is a different and harder skill than simply computing a sum they were handed.

Teachers and parents can stretch this skill far past the page. Roll two dice and race to call out the sum, or deal two playing cards and add them. Build the same problems with counting bears, buttons, or dry beans so children can see the two groups joining into one. Turn a walk into a word problem by counting red cars and blue cars and adding the two totals. Have students write their own bird story problem on the back of the sheet and trade with a partner. Keep a fact-family chart on the fridge and add one new pair each week, and sing an addition song in the car so the facts stick through repetition and rhythm.

Related Resources

• Single Digit Addition Worksheet
• Adding Facts to 5 Worksheet
• True Addition Number Sentences Worksheet
• Adding Songs (Lyric Video Collection)