An important part of the curriculum, 1st grade word problems offer students an opportunity to apply the math concepts they have learned in class to everyday situations.
Math class can be one of the most challenging subjects for children, so understanding and solving word problems about math in a practical way helps students practice math skills while applying different learning styles and understanding of math concepts in the real world.
Table of Contents
- Do 1st Graders Do Word Problems?
- Best 1st Grade Word Problem Worksheets
- How Do You Teach First Grade Word Problems?
- About the Author
Do 1st Graders Do Word Problems?
First grade students can do word problems by approaching them using what they already know: language skills like reading and listening, working together in teams, and manipulating objects to demonstrate and develop spatial sense. Word problems help students to understand the world around them, be able to solve real-world mathematical problems they can use in their everyday lives, and develop critical thinking skills, so it’s important to introduce word problems as early as 1st grade to help students think holistically about math.
In partnership with Teach Simple, whose marketplace is full of educational materials created by actual teachers (plus 50% of all revenues go to them), I have curated a list of 1st grade word problems on fantastic, interactive worksheets for teachers and parents to use to challenge students. They can be used in the classroom or at home.
Children are often drawn to this kind of thinking, and there are lots of fun ways to make the experience playful and exciting for them. These worksheets and activities align with common core math standards for 1st grade, which include operations and algebraic thinking, numbers and operations, measurement and data, and geometry.
Best 1st Grade Word Problem Worksheets
Secret Word Problem Puzzles
These 5 sets of puzzles will help students add and subtract within word problems. Students solve the word puzzles and use their answers to figure out the code words.
This bundle includes the secret code card, 8 word problems per set, response cards, and an answer key to check answers in 1 PDF file.
Word Problems Solving Worksheet
With this worksheet, students can read the word problem and choose the correct operation to solve it. Simple yet effective, this printable sheet includes pictures and is available in 1 PDF file.
Single Digit Addition Word Problem Activity
This printable worksheet has students solve single-digit addition word problems using colorful images and relatable situations.
Math Strategy Cheat Sheet for Word Problems
This resource is a math strategy cheat sheet that students can utilize when solving word problems. When working on a problem, students can pull out this resource guide and determine which strategy will help them most. It includes 1 PDF with 2 ready-to-print pages.
Dental Math Word Problems Worksheet
This activity engages students by challenging them to solve word problems while learning all about the dentist!
“It’s Fall” Word Problems
These engaging math and literacy worksheet sets include word problems to be solved on a number line, as part-part-whole (number bonds), and in a drawing. This is an ebook download in PDF format.
Ocean Math Word Problems Activity
This activity engages students by asking them to solve word problems while learning about oceans. It contains 1 product file.
Storytime Discoveries Math
The stories and activities in this book help make math fun through interesting folktales, poems, and original stories. Students learn about logical thinking, problem solving, and various mathematical concepts, such as measurement, shapes, telling time, addition, fractions, and map reading.
”It’s Winter” Math Word Problems
When it’s cold outside, add some fun to your classroom with these engaging math problems. They have activities that can be used for morning work, homework, group work, or in learning centers.
This product includes a word problem to be solved on a number line, as part-part-whole (number bonds), and in a drawing.
Cut-and-Paste Math Word Problems
With this activity, students can practice word problems with cut-and-paste activities that provide hands-on practice for simple addition. Students read the problem, count out the amount they need, add them together, glue them onto their paper, then write their equation.
2-Digit Addition, Subtraction, and Word Problems Workbook
This workbook provides practice for place value, two-digit addition and subtraction, odd and even numbers, and addition and subtraction word problems. It includes a 21-page printable packet with activities.
Frostyville Cinema Worksheets
These worksheets contain a variety of math skills that align with the curriculum. Students will work on reading a schedule and a menu, solving word problems, adding and subtracting money, and working on elapsed time.
It has a fun wintertime theme and two different levels of problems, a color version, a black-and-white version, and the answer key.
Add and Subtract Word Problems Worksheet
This worksheet has add and subtract word problems ranging from 10 to 100.
10 Printable Word Problem Worksheets (Numbers 1–20)
This printable bundle has four word problems worksheets on addition, four on subtraction, and two worksheets on mixed operations.
Barnyard Math Word Problems
This activity engages students by asking them to solve word problems while learning about barnyard animals.
Harvest Theme Addition and Subtraction Word Problems
These materials are designed to be a follow-up activity after instruction on tens frame is presented.
The word problems are presented on task cards. Students can answer the problems by using ten frames and apple-themed counters. Then, they can write their answers on a student recording sheet.
Math Word Problems Worksheet
These addition word problems include key words such as “in all,” “altogether,” “total number,” and “sum.” They have fun colorful pictures to make the problems interesting. These files are in a zipped folder with 8 sheets.
First Grade Word Problems
This is a set of 30 math worksheets for first grade. They give students structured practice in solving addition and subtraction word problems, which involves both math and reading comprehension.
Addition Within 20 Word Problems Task Cards
These task cards each have an addition word problem with answers within 20. There are 20 cards, recording sheet, and answer key included.
Time Word Problems and Blank Clock Template
These printable worksheets are available in PDF format with 4 PDF worksheets with a blank template that includes analog clocks and empty boxes, to assist students practice giving varied times.
Word problems are included in two worksheets for extra practice. Given certain time constraints, students must solve the problem and indicate when the event began and when it ends.
Multiplication for Primary Students
If you have any first graders that are ready to give multiplication a try, this resource contains 9 pages that will help your students understand multiplication.
How Do You Teach First Grade Word Problems?
The goal with 1st grade word problems is for students to develop skills like abstract and quantitative reasoning, applying mathematical tools they have already learned, and making sense of real-world mathematical scenarios.
When teaching word problems to 1st grade students, we want to make sure we explain the problems clearly, note when students struggle with language comprehension (such as new vocabulary), and are available to provide support by talking out the problems with students.
Here are some great tips for teaching word problems:
Tip 1: Print them on good quality cardstock or laminate for durability and longevity
Tip 2: Print them on colored paper to engage students’
Tip 3: Remind students of different strategies they can use to solve word problems
Tip 4: Let students have access to the answer sheets once they have worked on the problem so they can self-correct
Tip 5: Have students work in groups, make the 1st grade word problems into a game, and get creative with your teaching style!
About the Author
Jen Skolsky has a background in English, Psychology, and Creative Writing. She has taught for many years in international education, including ESL for all ages, middle school literature, speech and debate; high school AP Psychology, AP Language, AP Literature; university level Academic Writing, and Chinese Medicine Theory. She now works in marketing and book publishing.
