Solving Story Problems in Math

By the end of first grade, students are expected to solve story problems with numbers whose sum is less than or equal to 20. Story problems can go in lots of different ways.  Here are some examples.

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Ben had 5 pencils.  Then he got 4 more.  How many pencils does Ben have?

The class is collecting canned food to help those in need. The teacher brings in 3 cans to start the collection. On Monday, Becky brings in 2 cans. On Tuesday, Talia brings in 2 cands. On Wednesday, Brendan brings in 2 cans. How many cans were there all together?

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Ben has 5 pencils. He got some more from his mother. Now he has 9 pencils. How many pencils did Ben get from his mother?

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Ben has 5 pencils and 4 erasers.  How many pencils and erasers does Ben have?

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There are 8 children in the after-school cooking club. How many boys and how many girls might be in the class? (more than 1 answer)


Coming soon: student work samples showcasing strategies for solving math story problems.  Stay tuned and have fun with this math work at home!

students sharing their thoughts on a story problem