Description
Strengthen your students’ understanding of addition and subtraction with this set of Missing Addend Word Problems—ideal for math centers, small groups, or independent practice. These task cards and math journal prompts focus on building logical reasoning and helping students analyze part-part-whole relationships, a key concept in early math instruction.
Unlike traditional word problems that ask for a total, missing addend problems require students to identify the unknown part. This format challenges them to think critically and prepares them for more complex, two-step problems they’ll encounter in later grades.
What’s Included:
- 20 missing addend word problems covering:
- Start Unknown
- Change Unknown
- Result Unknown
- 3 flexible formats:
- Task Cards (in color)
- Math Journal Prompts (black and white)
- Google Slides (digital, in color)
Use this versatile resource to support whole-group instruction, small-group work, math centers, or as independent math journal prompts. It’s a meaningful way to deepen student understanding of add and subtract concepts while encouraging real-world problem-solving.
Looking for even more word problem practice?
Check out the 1st Grade Word Problems within 20 Bundle—featuring addition, subtraction, comparison, and missing addend problems in one easy-to-use pack. It’s a perfect next step to keep students engaged and growing in their problem-solving skills.
✅ Download the preview to get a closer look at these templates and examples from my classroom!











Shannon B. –
These are great task cards. Thank you!
Heather K. –
Great resource!
Debra S B. –
Excellent reinforcement work.
Nancy S. –
I used this resources as task cards around my room, in preparation for an upcoming quiz.
Allie L. –
My students love task cards; however, these are more rigorous and make them think! They love the challenge.
Heather C. –
Loved the slides to go with the cards.
Linda L. –
Perfect! Thanks!!
Kari J. –
Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful resource!
Rebecca S. –
These worked great in centers!
Julie A. –
I loved this resource! I left for a sub when I was out a week. It went very well!
Lupita E. –
Great Activities. Different Formatting. Students enjoyed the activities.
Morgan N. –
This was a great resource to help my first graders become more independent in solving word problems! Loved the task cards for use during stations and small group. This resource also added greatly to our math talks.
Y is for Young –
great!
Strome S. –
These are great word problems for my students to complete during math rotations! They love reading and solving independently!
Miss Humble’s Herd –
These are great for 1st grade and can be a great way for second graders to read problems independently and then do them:)
Fade The Prompt –
Very helpful to have prepped for whenever I needed to target this skill.