This word problem practice worksheet gives 1st graders five real-life addition and subtraction problems to solve within 20. An answer key is included, so checking work takes seconds.
This barnyard math word problems activity gives 1st-2nd grade students farm word problem cards, a draw-it sheet and a tic-tac-toe game. An answer key is included.
Put together, take apart
First graders focus on addition and subtraction within 20. They learn that adding means putting groups together and subtracting means taking away or finding the difference. They practice strategies like counting on, making ten and using doubles: 7 + 8 = 7 + 7 + 1 = 15. They also solve word problems and learn that addition and subtraction are related: if 6 + 4 = 10, then 10 − 4 = 6. The click moment is when kids solve a fact with a strategy instead of counting fingers.
First graders learn operations best through stories, objects and lots of talk.
Read a word problem and have kids act it out with counters or even themselves: "Four kids are on the rug. Two more join." Then they solve the barnyard math problems the same way. Acting it out shows whether to add or subtract.
Why it works: going from real objects to pictures to symbols is a core recommendation of the U.S. Department of Education's elementary math guide.
Try it withBarnyard Math Word Problems ActivityActivitiesOpen it →After each problem, ask two kids to share different strategies. One counted on, one made ten. Hearing classmates' thinking grows everyone's toolbox.
Why it works: when kids say the precise math words, their understanding gets sharper, a recommendation of the U.S. Department of Education's elementary math guide.
Try it withWord Problem Practice WorksheetWorksheetsOpen it →Start each math lesson with one word problem from the practice worksheet. A little every day builds confidence and keeps addition and subtraction fresh.
Why it works: short practice spread over several days beats one long session, according to a large review of learning research (Dunlosky and colleagues, 2013).
Try it withWord Problem Practice WorksheetWorksheetsOpen it →Teacher favorites right now: Word Problem Practice Worksheet and Barnyard Math Word Problems Activity.
First graders learn addition and subtraction, mostly within 20. They also start adding within 100 using tens and ones.
Counting on, making ten, doubles and doubles plus one are the big ones. They help kids solve facts quickly without counting every object.
Ask whether groups are joining together (add) or something is being taken away or compared (subtract). Acting it out with objects makes it clear.
Play dice and card games, count snacks, or make up quick story problems at dinner. Five minutes of fun practice a day helps a lot.
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