Little Math Stories Addition and Subtraction Worksheet

Kids often know how to count, then stall when the numbers are tucked inside a little story. This page keeps the task small: read three short math stories, look at the picture cue, and write the answer for flowers, apples, and rabbits.

It is a good fit for a first grader who can count small groups and is starting to connect story language with addition and subtraction. If reading is still wobbly, you can read each sentence aloud while your child tracks the numbers and listens for what happens next.

The practice works by making the change in each story visible. Mia puts in more flowers, Sam takes away apples, and more rabbits hop in. Have your child circle or point to the action words, then decide whether the group gets bigger or gets smaller before counting on or counting back.

Sit nearby for the first problem and ask, “What changed?” before any counting starts. If the answers come quickly, ask how they know so they say the math out loud. For another round with short word problems, try more little math story practice. If the counting feels shaky, make ten number bonds practice can help them see number pairs before returning to story problems.