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!











Taylor B. –
Perfect!!!
Learn and Greaux –
Used these in station work for the students and they really enjoyed it!
Tracy P. –
GREAT
KERRI B. –
Thank you!
Brooke A. –
I used this resource with a student I was tutoring. It was a great resource.
lynne K. –
Great Resource!
Bethany L. –
I love the simple and clean look of these notebook prompt slides and the corresponding journal problems. These have been so great to use in our daily number talks!
The Kiwi Curriculum –
My learners were super engaged with this and the activities were really helpful for revision too. I appreciate how easy this was to use, and how well written and thought out this resource is. Thanks so much!
Jody S. –
These task cards are great to teach missing addends. The students enjoyed them and were actively engaged while completing them to fill up their tracking sheets.
V G. –
thank you
Tiffany Jackson –
Great resource
Alice C. –
THank you for the great resource
Christy Grubb –
Very pleased with quality and content. Used during ESL Summer Camp.
Chantal Baird –
This has been an awesome addition to my math block, my students have loved it. Thank you!
Leslie C. –
This was a great resource for missing addends!
Jessica Kelly –
Fun activity for a difficult concept.