This worksheet is a must-have resource for teaching word problems to kindergarten students. It provides a straightforward, structured approach that makes it easy for young learners to understand word problems through engaging, hands-on activities. Teachers can use this worksheet to effectively guide children in drawing pictures, using ten frames, following number lines, and breaking down problems with number bonds. These strategies ensure that students build a solid foundation in basic subtraction concepts. With visual aids and carefully planned activities, students will gain confidence in solving subtraction problems while reinforcing their math skills.
How to use this worksheet:
Ask the child to read the problem: “There are 5 birds in a tree, and 2 more birds fly in. How many birds are there now?” Ensure that they understand it. Discuss the key elements of the problem. There are 5 birds in a tree, and 2 more birds fly in. Explain that these pieces of information will help in solving the problem.
Choose one or more strategies to solve the problem.
Draw a picture:
Ask the child to draw a picture representing the problem in the designated box. For example, they can draw 5 birds on one side and 2 on the other. Then, they should count all the birds together.
Use a ten-frame:
Guide the child to represent the problem using the ten frame. Ask the child to fill in 5 boxes for the birds in the tree and 2 more boxes for the birds that flew in.
Follow the number line:
Show the child how to use the number line to solve the problem. Start at number 5 (representing the birds in the tree). Move 2 steps to the right, landing on number 7.
Deeper engagement with the problem.
Use number bonds:
Ask the child to break down the problem using number bonds. The number bond will show the number 7 split into 5 (birds in the tree) and 2 (birds that flew in). Answer: The number bond should have 7 as the whole, with 5 and 2 as the parts.
Write the sentence:
Have the child write a complete math sentence that answers the word problem in the provided space. Answer: 5+2=7.
By using this structured approach, students will quickly gain confidence in solving subtraction word problems, reinforcing their mathematical foundation. Download this worksheet to enhance your classroom resources and help your students excel in math today!
Printing options: black lines.
