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K.4 Addition up to 10 with word problems

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Addition up to 10 Word Problems

Addition word problems tell a short story where numbers are combined. The goal is to find the total after joining two groups or adding more to a starting number.

Example Problems:
  • 3 apples in a bowl. 2 more are added. How many apples in total? → 5
  • 5 ducks in the pond. 4 more swim in. How many ducks now? → 9
Helpful Hint

Read the story carefully. Look for the starting number and the number being added. Then find the total.

Using Objects to Model the Problem

Real or drawn objects help you see what is happening in the problem. This makes it easier to find the total.

Example:
  • 2 cats on the mat. 3 more join. Use counters to show 2 and then add 3 more → Total is 5
  • 4 balloons on the table. 1 more balloon is added → Total is 5
Helpful Hint

Arrange objects into two clear groups before counting them all together.

Drawing Pictures to Solve

Pictures can show each part of the problem. You can draw circles, stars, or any shape to represent the objects.

Example:
  • 3 fish in the tank. 2 more are added → Draw 3 fish, then draw 2 more → Count all → 5
  • 6 flowers in the garden. 3 more bloom → Draw and count → 9
Helpful Hint

Make sure each drawing matches one object in the story so your counting is correct.

Using a Number Line for Addition

A number line helps you count forward to find the total. Start at the first number and make jumps for the amount you are adding.

Example:
  • 4 + 3 → Start at 4, jump: 5, 6, 7 → Total is 7
  • 2 + 5 → Start at 2, jump: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 → Total is 7
Reminder

Each jump on the number line means adding 1. Count carefully until you reach the total.

Counting On Strategy

Counting on starts from the first number and counts up for the amount you add. This is faster than starting from 1.

Example:
  • 5 + 2 → Start at 5: 6, 7 → Total is 7
  • 7 + 1 → Start at 7: 8 → Total is 8
Teacher Tip

Have students say each number out loud as they count on. This builds number order skills.

Practice and Review

Practicing different addition stories helps make solving word problems quick and easy. Try problems with different starting numbers.

Example Practice Set:
  • 3 dogs in the yard. 4 more come.
  • 0 frogs on the log. 5 frogs hop on.
  • 6 birds in the tree. 2 more join.
Helpful Hint

After solving, check your answer by retelling the story with the total you found.

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