1.OA.1: Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

I can solve addition and subtraction word problems within 20.

What Your Child Needs to Know

This standard focuses on helping your child solve word problems involving addition and subtraction with numbers up to 20. First graders learn to understand different problem types such as adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing.

This builds on kindergarten skills where students worked with smaller numbers (within 10) and prepares them for more complex problem-solving in second grade. Being able to understand and solve word problems helps children connect math to real-life situations.

Real World Practice

Visual models and hands-on activities

Visual Models

1. Number Line

Draw a number line from 0-20. For addition, start at the first number and jump forward. For subtraction, start at the larger number and jump backward.

2. Part-Part-Whole Model

Draw a circle at the top (whole) connected to two circles below (parts). Fill in the known parts and solve for the unknown.

3. Bar Model

Draw rectangles to represent quantities in the problem. This helps visualize which operation to use.

4. Counters or Objects

Use small objects like beans, buttons, or blocks to represent the numbers in the problem.

Everyday Activities

1. Shopping Math

While shopping, ask: "If apples cost $2 and bananas cost $3, how much for both?" or "If you have $10, how much change will you get?"

2. Recipe Doubling

When cooking, ask your child to help double ingredients: "If we need 3 eggs, how many for a double batch?"

3. Board Game Math

During board games, ask addition/subtraction questions about game pieces, scores, or moves.

4. Word Problem Journal

Create a journal where your child writes and solves one word problem each day based on real-life situations.

Quick Checks

Strategies and quick activities

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Draw It Out

Have your child draw a simple picture for each word problem. This makes abstract concepts concrete.

2. Circle Key Words

Circle words that signal which operation to use (altogether = add, left = subtract).

3. Three-Read Strategy

First read: What is the problem about?
Second read: What is the question asking?
Third read: What information do we need?

4. Act It Out

Use toys or objects to physically act out the problem scenario.

5. Start With Easier Numbers

If a problem uses larger numbers, try the same problem with smaller numbers first.

5-Minute Practice Activities

Activity 1: Story Problems

Create simple word problems using your child's interests:
"You have 8 toy cars. I give you 5 more. How many do you have now?"

Activity 2: Missing Number Problems

Create problems with missing parts:
"You had some stickers. You gave 4 to your friend. Now you have 7. How many did you start with?"

Activity 3: Comparison Problems

Practice "how many more/less" problems:
"You have 12 crayons. Your sister has 8. How many more do you have?"

Activity 4: Word Problem Cards

Write simple word problems on index cards. Pull one each day for quick practice.

Check Progress

Track improvement

By the middle of the year, your child should:

Solve addition and subtraction word problems within 10
Identify whether a problem requires addition or subtraction
Use objects or drawings to represent word problems

By the end of the year, your child should:

Solve addition and subtraction word problems within 20
Determine the unknown in various problem types (add to, take from, put together, etc.)
Use equations with a symbol for the unknown to represent problems
Explain their solution strategy for different problem types

Mastery Signs

Your child understands this concept when they can:

Identify the operation needed for different problem types
Solve word problems accurately and independently
Represent problems using equations with a symbol for the unknown
Explain their reasoning and solution strategy
Create their own word problems for others to solve

Differentiation

Support for all learning levels

Below Grade Level

Practice problems focusing on simple addition and subtraction within 10 with visual supports.