Think Board Task Cards for Confident Problem Solving

Supporting young learners to make sense of word problems can be a challenge, especially when combining early addition and subtraction skills with real-world contexts like money. These Year 1 task cards combine addition and subtraction word problems with a structured think board approach to support student understanding. Using a Think Board containing Read It, Model It, Draw It and Solve It sections, students learn to break down problems and build strong strategies.

The resource includes 24 task cards, colour and black-and-white think boards, a recording sheet and an answer key. It’s designed to build confidence, encourage mathematical language and support independent problem solving.

Flexible Ways to Use Money Word Problems

This resource can be used in creative and engaging ways, such as:

• Maths detective challenge – Turn each task card into a “case” for students to solve using their think board. Add a simple storyline where students are helping characters figure out their money situations.
• Shop role-play station – Set up a mini classroom shop where students act out the problems with play money before recording their thinking on the think board.
• Math journaling prompts – Use individual task cards as prompts for students to write about how they solved the problem, incorporating drawings and explanations.

Download Year 1 Word Problems Resource

This Year 1 word problems resource is available as a ready-to-download PDF for easy printing, plus an editable Google Slides version for customisation. (You will be prompted to make your own copy of the Slides file.)

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a TeachStarter Collaborator.

Looking for More Addition and Subtraction Resources?

We’ve got you covered! Check out the addition and subtraction activities below.

teaching resource

Addition and Subtraction Word Problems - Year 1 Teaching Slides

Introduce addition and subtraction word problems with this clear, interactive teaching slide deck.

teaching resource

Year 1 Addition and Subtraction Word Problems Escape Room

Engage students with this addition and subtraction interactive escape room.

teaching resource

Year 1 Addition and Subtraction Solving Mats

Use these Year 1 addition and subtraction solving mats to support students as they practise solving word problems.