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!











Christen W. –
It was great to use for my K students.
Barbara D. –
Thank you, this give my students a way to practice and be able to solve.
Brittany S. –
Great resource to practice story problems with my 1st graders!
Kara D. –
My students love using task cards instead of worksheets. It makes it fun for them to do the math word problems that they usually don’t like a to do.
Danesha J. –
Great product!
A Basket Full of Apples by Katie –
This was exactly what I was looking for! My students loved this! Thank you for a great product and all your hard work!
Susan F Uffmann U. –
Good resource for distance learning.
Lauren L. –
So helpful and such a time saver! Thanks for a wonderful resource!
Kimberly Pope –
I am always in search of word problems to align with our lessons. These worked perfectly. Thank you
Rayna G. –
This is great, thank you!
Helena M. –
My students were highly engaged with this resource so much more than with regular worksheets. They love Task cards and any time there is an opportunity for them to challenge themselves with something they go to Task cards. Thanks
Cydnee D. –
This was an excellent resource! My students loved it. Thank you!
LISA Hoelzen –
I printed these and placed them in binders for my gifted/high students. While my other kinders are doing word problems at the kindergarten level, these gifted/high students use the problems printed in their binders. They loved them and want me to get more.
Cutter Whitely –
This was great to use with my students who wanted an extra push and to take the next step in their learning
Andrea Raab –
Just what I was looking for to practice missing addends during virtual learning! Well organized and versatile so I can use it when we are back in person as well.
Carolina M. –
Great resource