Word Problems Teaching Resources
Browse math word problems and word problem worksheets created by teachers for teachers like you! This vast collection covers all four math operations with problem-solving tasks that allow students to apply their math skills to real-world problems!
From worksheets to task cards, this collection is full of Common Core math curriculum-aligned resources, ready for your classroom, your lesson plans and your students!
Curious about using word problems in your classroom? Read on for a primer from our teacher team, including a kid-friendly definition of the concept and tips to ensure your students succeed with word problems!
What Is a Word Problem? A Kid-Friendly Definition
No doubt you know the answer to this question, but would you know how to answer if a student asked? Here's a handy definition that you can use!
A word problem is a kind of maths problem that is presented in words instead of just numbers. Word problems require us to use our math skills to solve real-life scenarios or situations.
A word problem usually includes a question or a scenario that needs to be solved using one of the four math operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.
How to Help Students Succeed With Word Problems
Word problems are a fantastic tool to help students build their problem-solving skills. So how do you set them up for success?
Our teacher team has a few tricks up our sleeves to ensure your students can translate their maths skills into real-world problem-solving situations.
1. Teach Key Word Problem Vocabulary
Word problems are full of, well, words that serve as cues for students to help them know which operations to apply. Make sure to explicitly teach students the words so they know the appropriate actions.
For example, if a student sees the term "take away" in a word problem, they should know that subtraction is involved. Here are just a few other key word problem vocabulary terms:
- How much
- Increased by
- How much longer
- Lost
- Remain
- Reduce
You may want to create anchor charts as a class with some of these keywords so students have a handy reference.
2. Hand Out Highlighter s
Teach students to work through a word problem and highlight or underline the important information (such as what is being asked for), while they cross out redundant information and other bits that are not necessary.
This can help them focus on the key points that matter.
3. Teach the CUBES Strategy
This handy strategy is a favorite among our teacher team (you'll even find CUBES resources on our site!). CUBES stands for:
- Circle all the numbers
- Underline the question
- Box the key words
- Evaluate and write the equation
- Solve & check
4. Practice Creating Word Problems As a Class
Before you hand already crafted word problems to your students to solve, why not work together as a class to create some?
Take regular addition or subtraction problems from the many worksheets on Teach Starter, and turn them into word problems together so students can reverse engineer the process. Students can also draw a picture to illustrate the problem.
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Daily Math Word Problems - Grade 3 (Worksheets)
A set of 20 problem solving questions suited to grade 3 students.
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The Case of the Missing Turkey! - Thanksgiving Escape
Uncover the location of the missing Thanksgiving turkey with a 4th-grade multiplication Thanksgiving Mystery escape room activity.
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Thanksgiving Menu Math - 4th Grade Multiplication Word Problems
Practice solving single and double-digit multiplication word problems with a fun Thanksgiving Menu Math activity for 4th grade.
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Thanksgiving Math Tales - Kindergarten Math Problems
Solve story problems using models with a Thanksgiving Story Problem interactive activity for kindergarten.
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Addition and Subtraction Word Problems - Match Game
Practice reading, modeling, and solving addition and subtraction word problems with a matching activity.
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2-Digit Subtraction Model Match-Up
Use a rigorous subtraction matching game to match subtraction word problems with number sentences, bar models, and solutions.
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Basic Subtraction Word Problems - Worksheet
Solve subtraction word problems by drawing picture models with a printable subtraction worksheet.
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Adding and Subtracting Within 10 - Word Problem Task Cards
Solve word problems practicing addition and subtraction to ten with a set of printable task cards.
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Add and Subtract Integers on a Number Line - Interactive Picture Reveal
Practice solving addition and subtraction equations with positive and negative numbers using an interactive mystery picture reveal.
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Football Tarsia Puzzle - 2 Digit Addition
Print and assemble a football-themed tarsia puzzle to use when practicing two-digit addition skills.
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Counting On – Word Problem Worksheet
Practice adding within 20 by using the counting on strategy to solve word problems.
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Valentine Bingo - 2-Digit Addition and Subtraction Game
Add and subtract two-digit numbers to win this fun Valentine’s Bingo Game!
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Math Brain Teasers – Primary Grades
Challenge your first and second-grade students to solve these brain teasers with a set of 10 math word problems.
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Soccer Stories - Problem Solving Worksheets
Practice multiplication, division, and problem solving skills with a high-interest soccer-themed scenario activity.
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Thanksgiving Math- Multiplication Task Cards
Practice solving single-digit multiplication word problems with a set of Thanksgiving Task Cards.
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Halloween-Themed Division Word Problems - Task Cards
Use various strategies to solve division word problems with a set of Halloween Task Cards.
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CUBES Bulletin Board and Bookmark Set
Tackle word problems with this CUBES problem-solving bulletin board and bookmark set.
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Thanksgiving Division Mystery Image - Worksheet
Toss in a heap of Thanksgiving Math practice with our multi-digit division mystery picture worksheet.
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Thanksgiving Division Task Cards
Use various strategies to solve division word problems with a set of Thanksgiving Task Cards.
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Addition and Subtraction Word Problem Task Cards - (Numbers 1-9)
Use a range of addition and subtraction strategies to solve twenty single-digit word problems.
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Multiplication and Division Word Problem Task Cards (Facts 1-12)
Use a range of strategies to solve multiplication and division problems for times tables facts 1-12.
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Multiplication and Division Word Problems Task Cards (Facts of 2, 5, and 10)
Use a range of strategies to solve multiplication and division problems with 2, 5, and 10 times tables.
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Multiplication Match-Up Puzzles
A match-up activity to assist students in understanding multiplication word problems.
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Word Problem Task Cards: Addition and Subtraction Within 10
Practice addition and subtraction within 10 with this set of 18 word problem task cards.
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Daily Math Problems - Grade 3
A 63 slide editable PowerPoint Template for problem solving in mathematics.
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Word Problem Task Cards - 2-digit + 1-digit Addition
Practice adding 2-digit and 1-digit numbers with this set of 16 word problem task cards.
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Problem Solving PowerPoint - Lower Elementary
A PowerPoint with 30 problem solving questions covering a range of mathematical concepts.
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Basic Multiplication and Division Word Problem Task Cards
21 word problem task cards to use when learning to differentiate between and model multiplication and division situations.
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10 Problem Solving Strategy Cards
A set of 10 problem solving strategy cards.
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10 Problem Solving Strategies Posters
Posters highlighting 10 problem solving strategies.
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Math Problem Solving Brainteasers – Grades 3-5
A set of 10 fun problem solving brainteasers for your students.
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Problem Solving Strategy Posters
A set of 10 posters outlining problem solving strategies.