Take a break from addition worksheets with this set of word problem task cards! 

Solving 2-digit + 1-digit Word Problems

Word problems are a fantastic way to encourage students to take abstract concepts and place them in real-world situations, honing their problem-solving skills.

In this activity, students will read the cards one at a time, solve the addition problem, and write their answers on the recording sheet provided. 

An answer sheet is included with your download for students to self-check their recording sheet. 

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Challenge fast finishers who already understand the concept to partner up with a peer, split the cards, and take turns orally explaining how they arrived at their answers. This allows students to slow down and think through the logic they used to solve the problem. 

For students who need more support honing this skill, use the task cards in your guided math group and limit the number of word problems. Provide students with math manipulatives as a visual reference to use when counting or encourage them to draw pictures to help them solve.

Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies here! 

More Opportunities For 2-digit + 1-digit Word Problem Practice

We created this resource for your math center as an independent practice activity. You can also use it for small group and full-class instruction through scoot activities, lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more! We suggest these: 

✍️ Show Me!

Give each student a mini dry-erase board and a dry-erase marker. Project one task card at a time and have your students solve the problem on their board. When everyone has written down their answer, say, “Show Me.” Students will flip their boards, allowing you to see who needs extra support.

🛴 Scoot Activity

Place the task cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a number to start. Give students time to review the card and write the answer on their recording sheet. When you say “SCOOT,” the students will rotate to the next card. Continue in this manner until students have made it through all of the cards. 

👉 Knock Off

Have your students stand up and make a line across the room. Project a task card on the screen and use our Random Name Picker widget to draw a student’s name to answer. If the student correctly solves the word problem, they tap the person on their left or right to send them back to their seat. If the student answers the card incorrectly, they must sit out. Play continues until only 1 student is standing.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks: cut out the cards and punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

To turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity, 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.

Because this activity includes an answer sheet, we recommend first printing one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown 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 Heather Chambers, a teacher in Texas and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Practicing single- and double-digit addition? Check lesson planning off your to-do list with these activities: 

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