C Curriculum Explorer
Mathematics·Addition & Subtraction·procedural

Early Word Problems

Solve one-step word problems involving addition and subtraction to 20, including missing-number problems

Suggested ages 5–7

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Learning journey

Your child is building a strong foundation in addition and subtraction, learning to combine and separate numbers up to 20 using objects, drawings, and mental strategies.

Evidence of understanding

  • Solve 'I have 12 sweets and eat 4, how many left?'
  • Solve missing number: 7 = [ ] – 9
  • Solve problems using concrete objects and pictorial representations

Assessment prompt

If you say 'I had some sweets, ate 5, and now have 9 left — how many did I start with?', can Early Word Problems figure out the missing number?

Standards alignment

1.OA.1US · ccss-math

Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · 1

Maths/Y1/AS/4GB · uk-nc-2013

Solve one-step addition and subtraction problems

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1