Addition Word Problems

Stories that grow with your child

This set uses familiar situations such as sharing fruit, collecting toys, feeding birds and counting classroom items. Younger children can look at pictures, count each group and add small numbers within 5. Children who are ready for more can read short sentences, choose the correct operation and solve sums within 10 or 20. Some pages include space for a drawing or an addition sentence, so your child can show how they found the answer. The clear layouts suit Nursery, LKG, UKG and the early primary years.

Use the pages for guided practice

At home, read each story aloud first and ask your child what is happening before they touch the pencil. Use buttons, blocks or fruit pieces to act out the two groups, then let your child record the sum. In class, pair children and give each pair counters to model the story before writing. You can place a few pages in a maths centre, use one as a warm-up, or talk through a page with the whole group. For more written addition practice, pair this set with Addition Worksheets.

Help children connect words to numbers

A common mistake is adding every number a child sees without checking what the story says. Ask, "What was there first? What was added? How many are there now?" Words such as altogether, more, joined and in all often point to addition, but your child should use the meaning of the story rather than memorise a word list. Encourage them to circle the two groups, draw quick dots or use counters. Check that the answer makes sense, especially when a child has counted one group twice or written the numbers in the wrong order.