Word Problems in IB PYP Grade 1 Mathematics
Word problems use stories to show why we add and subtract. Grade 1 learners read a short problem, picture it, decide whether to add or take away, and write a number sentence with the answer.
PYP learning is inquiry-based, so every worksheet here is short, colourful and playful, with a friendly animal guide and a teacher answer key on page 2.
What learners practise
- Reading short adding stories
- Reading short take-away stories
- Deciding whether to add or subtract
- Writing a number sentence for a story
- Checking that the answer makes sense
Word problems at a glance
- Add words: altogether, in all, together, more
- Subtract words: left, take away, fewer, gives away
- Step 1: read it twice and picture it
- Step 2: write the number sentence and the answer
For students
Read each instruction carefully, try every question and colour the animal when you finish.
For parents
Print on A4, read the instructions aloud together and let your child work alone before you check.
For teachers
Use a worksheet as a starter, homework or exit ticket. Each one has a name, class and date box and an answer key.
Ask children to draw a quick picture or use counters before writing the sum. If they can show the story, they can solve it.
Quick answers
Who is the Word Problems page for?
It is for IB PYP Grade 1 Mathematics learners, typically aged 6–7, and for the parents and teachers who support them.
How can I help my child with word problems?
Read the story aloud together, ask what is happening, and act it out with objects before writing the number sentence.
Do the stories get harder?
Yes. They start within 10 and move to within 20, and later worksheets mix adding and taking away.
How should I use these worksheets?
Pick one worksheet, let your child try it without help first, then check together with the answer key on page 2. Short sessions of five to ten minutes, a few times a week, work best.
Keep exploring
Operations 
Addition 
Subtraction