Addition and Subtraction to 20 Word Problems for 1st Grade

Word Problems Worksheets

This first grade math resource gives students structured practice in solving addition and subtraction word problems. This is a tricky skill because it involves both math and reading comprehension.

Using these 1st grade word problems will help your students learn to:

• read and evaluate story problems

• identify what operation is involved

• add and subtract using a variety of strategies that represent their thinking

Designed for young learners:

• opportunities to use multiple strategies

• plenty of space to show work

• easy to read text

• clear primary fonts

• uncluttered pages

These math worksheets present students with word problems in an easy-to-read format. Space is provided to draw a picture or model, use ten frames, use a number line, and write an equation. This allows you to see their use of strategies from the more concrete to the abstract.

All of these 1st grade word problems involve addition or subtraction within 20 grade-level math standards and include:

• adding to

• taking away

• comparing

• missing addend

• more than two addends

What is included?

This math resource includes 30 word problem worksheets in two formats:

• full page (1 word problem per page)

• half page (2 word problems per page)

If you want to use these with older students working below grade level, I suggest using the smaller half-page size. They look more “grown up” but still have plenty of space to show work.

➡️ For more ideas, see: The Best Way to Teach Students How to Solve Word Problems