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Word Problems for 1st Graders

13 free PDFsUS Letter or A4Answer key includedNo login

Short addition and subtraction stories within 20 with space to draw, write a number sentence and answer: add to, take from, put together, compare and three addends.

Download the word problems worksheets

Addition word problems

Stories where a group gets more or two groups are put together, within 20.

Subtraction word problems

Stories where some are taken away or a group is split into two kinds, within 20.

Add or subtract?

Mixed stories: children decide whether to add or subtract. Start with the within 10 page.

Missing number and compare word problems

The unknown at the start or in the middle, and how many more or how many fewer stories.

Adding three numbers

Stories with three groups to add, with a total up to 20.

Print at 100% (actual size) for the cleanest tracing lines.

About these word problems worksheets

These word problems for 1st graders use short stories with easy words, so children can read them on their own or with a little help. Each problem has a box to draw the story, a line for the number sentence and an answer box with the unit, like 13 birds.

The stories cover every kind of first grade problem: adding to, taking away, putting two groups together, taking a group apart, and comparing (how many more, how many fewer). The missing number pages put the unknown at the start or in the middle (Sam had some cars, then got 4 more), and the three number pages add three groups with a sum up to 20.

Every sheet has four stories and an answer key on page 2. The key shows one way to draw each story with simple counters, the number sentence and the answer. Pages print in black and white on US Letter or A4.

Standards

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.A.1Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.A.2Solve word problems that call for addition of three whole numbers whose sum is less than or equal to 20, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

How to use them

  1. Read each story aloud together the first time. Ask: what is happening? Is something added, taken away or compared?
  2. Have your child draw the story in the box with circles or tally marks before writing any numbers.
  3. Write the number sentence, then the answer with its word: 8 apples, not just 8.
  4. Start with Word Problems Within 10, then the addition and subtraction pages, then the mixed and compare pages.
  5. Use the missing number pages last. Act them out with real objects first.

Teaching tips

  • Compare problems are the hardest. Draw two rows of circles, one under the other, and match them up. The extra circles are the answer.
  • For 'had some … at first' stories, cover the start with your hand and work backward.
  • There is often more than one right number sentence. 9 + ? = 13 and 13 − 9 = ? both solve the same story.
  • Let children make up their own story for a number sentence like 7 + 5 = 12. Writing stories helps them read them.

Questions teachers and parents ask

What kinds of word problems do 1st graders solve?

They add to, take from, put together, take apart and compare, with the unknown number at the end, in the middle or at the start. They also add three numbers with a total up to 20.

Can my 1st grader read these on their own?

Most can. The sentences are short and use easy words. Read the first one together, then let your child try the rest.

Does my child have to draw a picture?

Drawing helps children see what the story is asking, so each problem has a box for it. Circles or tally marks are enough; the key shows one simple way to draw each story.

Are there answer keys?

Yes. Page 2 of every PDF shows one way to draw each story, the number sentence with the missing number boxed, and the answer.