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Ages 4–6 · math · PDF, A4/Letter
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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.

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

  • •Create your own word problems using two different operations in the same story.
  • •Use manipulatives, like counters or blocks, to physically model each problem.
  • •Draw a simple picture for each problem showing the 'before' and 'after' amounts.
  • •Play an addition-or-subtraction guessing game using problems you make up on the spot.

Tips for parents and teachers

Encourage children to draw pictures to help them visualize the problems, especially when deciding whether to add or subtract. Read the problems aloud and provide assistance as needed, praising the reasoning process as much as the final answer.

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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