Word Problems Worksheet: Solving Addition and Subtraction
Solving a mix of addition and subtraction word problems trains children ages 4-6 to decide which operation a story calls for, based on whether it describes combining groups or taking something away, a key reasoning skill before formal equation writing.
Part of the pack
Month 12: Learning & Development | Ages 5-6
This is page 19 of the pack. Ages 5-6 · KindergartenAges 5-6 · Year 1Ages 5-6 · UKGAges 5-6

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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 together and ask your child whether the story describes things being combined or things being taken away. Work through the numbers using fingers, drawings, or counters to find the answer, then have them write it in the space provided. Continue through each remaining problem, discussing the reasoning behind choosing addition or subtraction each time.
Materials needed
- Pencil
Extension activities
- 1Create your own word problems using two different operations in the same story.
- 2Use manipulatives, like counters or blocks, to physically model each problem.
- 3Draw a simple picture for each problem showing the 'before' and 'after' amounts.
- 4Play an addition-or-subtraction guessing game using problems you make up on the spot.

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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