Take a break from math worksheets with a set of addition and subtraction word problem task cards. 

Each task card gives your students an opportunity to apply their reading proficiency and problem-solving skills while working on number operations. 

Use These Task Cards to Practice Adding and Subtracting Within 10

This resource can be used as an independent activity to reinforce operational concepts by having students solve and record their answers to word problems on the accompanying recording sheet.

Groups of 2-4 students could also work together to solve the word problems in your guided math group. 

Mix Math, Reading, and Play with More Ways to Use These Task Cards

Check out a few extra ideas for activities that get your students excited about addition, subtraction, and word problems!

Gallery Walk (Scoot Activity)

Mix the cards up and hang all 16 around the room to have your students complete a gallery walk. Working either alone or in pairs, assign a task card to each and have them rotate around the cards (on your signal “Scoot!”), writing the answers to each word problem on their recording sheet until they have completed each one.

Math Lesson Recap 

Using your smartboard or another projection device, work through the word problems as a class or with a small group. Students can write their answers on a sheet of paper or on their mini-whiteboards. 

Change the Difficulty Level if Needed

Take this activity even further by asking students to write their own word problems that practice addition and subtraction within 10. They could also write out the number sentence or equations for each problem.

For students who need extra practice, instruct students to draw a picture or use math manipulatives to help them solve each problem.

They might also benefit from working on a few task cards at a time instead of having access to them all at once. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print the task cards on cardstock for added durability and longevity. To make this game more sustainable, print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse.

As a math center activity, cut out the task cards and punch a hole in each corner to place them on a binder ring. Place all game parts in a folder or large envelope. 

Check out our full collection of task cards! 

Before You Download

Use the drop-down icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

This resource was created by  Allie Kleijnjans, a teacher in Pennsylvania and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to help your students work out word problems and add and subtract within 10:

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Practice making 10 using objects, pictorial models, and number sentences with this activity mat.

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Addition and Subtraction Word Problem Task Cards (Numbers 1-50)

Use a range of addition and subtraction strategies to solve twenty word problems that contain numbers 1–50.