Students apply addition and subtraction facts to solve word problems that describe real situations. Reading, representing, and solving word problems helps students understand when to add and when to subtract, and develops mathematical thinking beyond isolated facts.
Start with simple problems, use manipulatives to act out the situation, draw pictures, and discuss different solution strategies. Use consistent problem-solving steps and language.
You already know how to add within 20 and subtract within 20 — you can solve problems like 8 + 5 or 14 − 6 when you see the numbers written out. Word problems are the next step: instead of being given the numbers and the operation sign, you are given a story, and you have to figure out which numbers to use and whether to add or subtract. This is a different kind of thinking, and it is one of the most important skills in mathematics — turning a real situation into a math problem.
The key question to ask in any word problem is: *is the amount growing or shrinking?* When someone gets more of something, receives something, or things are put together, you add. When someone loses something, uses something up, or you need to find what is left, you subtract. For example: "Mia had 7 stickers. She got 5 more. How many does she have now?" — the collection is growing, so you add: 7 + 5 = 12. "Mia had 7 stickers. She gave 5 away. How many does she have now?" — the collection is shrinking, so you subtract: 7 − 5 = 2. The words "got more" and "gave away" are clues, but the real thinking is about what is happening in the story.
A helpful strategy is to *act out* or *draw* the problem before you write any numbers. Use blocks, fingers, or a drawing to show what the problem is describing. If the problem says "3 birds were sitting in a tree and 4 more flew in," you can draw 3 birds, then draw 4 more, and count them all together. This picture or physical model connects the story to the math, so the numbers have meaning. Even simple drawings — just circles or tally marks — are enough to make the situation clear.
As you practice, you will notice there are different kinds of word problems. Some ask about a total when you know two parts. Some give you a total and ask about a missing part. Some compare two groups and ask how many more one has than the other. Each type sounds a little different, but the same thinking applies: understand the story, decide if the amount is growing or shrinking, find the numbers, and write the equation. Over time, your brain will get fast at recognizing these patterns, and solving word problems will feel as natural as solving number problems.