K.OA.2: Word Problems

1. Story Mats

Create simple mats or scenes (like a pond, playground, or farm) where children can act out word problems with small toys or counters.

2. Drawing Frames

Provide a template with boxes for drawing the problem, showing the action (adding or subtracting), and writing the answer.

3. Number Bonds

Use circles connected by lines to show how numbers relate. The whole number goes in one circle, and the parts go in the other circles.

4. Bar Models

Draw rectangles to represent quantities in the problem. This helps children visualize the relationship between the numbers.

1. Mealtime Math

Create word problems during meals. "There are 6 strawberries on your plate. If you eat 2, how many will be left?"

2. Shopping Problems

While shopping, create simple problems. "We need 8 apples. We already have 3 in our cart. How many more do we need?"

3. Toy Box Problems

Use toys for word problems. "You have 5 stuffed animals on your bed and 4 in your toy box. How many stuffed animals do you have altogether?"

4. Story Problem Cards

Create cards with simple word problems. Draw or print pictures to help your child understand the situation.

5. Problem of the Day

Create one word problem each day related to your daily activities. Make it a routine to solve the "Problem of the Day."

1. Read and Visualize

Help your child read the problem slowly and picture what's happening. Ask: "What do we know? What are we trying to find out?"

2. Act It Out

Use toys or objects to act out the problem. This makes abstract situations concrete.

3. Draw the Problem

Encourage your child to draw simple pictures to represent the problem. This helps them see what's happening.

4. Look for Key Words

Teach your child to look for words that suggest addition (more, together, in all) or subtraction (fewer, less, left).

5. Check the Answer

Have your child verify their answer by counting objects or using a different method.

Activity 1: Story Problems

Create simple word problems based on your child's interests. "You have 4 toy cars. I give you 3 more. How many cars do you have now?"

Activity 2: Draw and Solve

Read a simple problem and have your child draw pictures to solve it.

Activity 3: Fill in the Blank

Create problems with missing information. "You had some stickers. I gave you 2 more. Now you have 7 stickers. How many did you have at first?"

Activity 4: Create Your Own

Encourage your child to create their own word problems using toys or objects around them.

By the middle of the year, your child should:

• Understand simple addition and subtraction word problems
• Use objects or drawings to represent and solve problems within 5
• Begin to recognize when to add or subtract based on the problem situation

By the end of the year, your child should:

• Solve addition and subtraction word problems within 10
• Use various strategies (objects, drawings, equations) to solve problems
• Explain their thinking when solving word problems
• Create simple word problems of their own

Simple Assessment:

Give your child simple word problems within 10. Observe how they approach and solve the problems.
Ask your child to explain their thinking as they solve a problem.
Have your child create their own word problem and solve it.