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Word Problems Worksheet for Early Learners

Word problems ask 4-6 year olds to do something harder than a bare equation: read a short story, figure out what operation it's describing, and only then do the addition or subtraction. That translation step — turning 'Sam had 3 apples and ate 1' into a subtraction fact — is the real skill this worksheet builds, and it's the foundation for all later math word problems your child will encounter in school. Because the numbers here stay small, the challenge is almost entirely about comprehension rather than calculation.

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Month 5: Essential English, Math, Science | Ages 6-7

This is page 22 of the pack. Ages 6-7 · Grade 1Ages 6-7 · Year 2Ages 6-7 · Class 1Ages 6-7

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A maths pack with your child's name in it: pictures that explain, practice at three levels, puzzles and story sums about them. Print a new set whenever they finish.

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Curriculum

  • Word Problems > Word Problems

How to use this worksheet

Read the first word problem aloud slowly, pausing to make sure your child understands the situation before mentioning numbers. Ask them to identify what's happening — are things being added together, or taken away? Have them solve the problem using fingers, drawings, or mental math, then write the answer in the space provided. Move to the next problem and repeat, encouraging your child to explain in their own words what the problem was asking before they answer.

Materials needed

  • Pencil
  • Eraser

Extension activities

  • Make up your own simple word problems using your child's favorite toys or snacks as the characters.
  • Use small objects like coins or blocks to physically act out each word problem before answering it.
  • Turn everyday moments into word problems — 'We have 4 cookies and you eat 1, how many are left?'
  • Have your child draw a picture to represent each word problem before solving it.
  • Play a guessing game where you describe a scenario and your child has to say whether it's an adding or taking-away situation.
Hemsweta Jain (Teacher Cheena), founder of RaisoActive

Written by

Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena

MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai

Every RaisoActive worksheet is designed and checked by the founder before publishing.

Published · Last reviewed

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