Two-Step Addition and Subtraction Word Problems
Teach students to track two changes in one story.
Teaching notes for parents and teachers
How to teach it
Sketch the starting collection, the amount found, and the amount given away. Record the total after the first change before continuing.
Example to work through together
Use the model below as you explain the example. Have your student point to the quantities as you discuss them.
Each dot stands for one shell. The five added shells are a different color so you can follow the change. Three crossed-out shells have been given away.
7 + 5 = 12
Twelve shells are in the bucket after Maya finds more.
12 − 3 = 9
Nine shells remain after she gives three away.
Ask your student
What amount do we have after the first step?
If your student needs help
If the student uses the starting amount again in step two, point to the updated collection.
Make a practice set
Select the worksheet, answer key, or both. When both are selected, the answer key prints after the questions. Keep it separate if you want your student to work independently.
After your student finishes
Ask what the first total means and where it is used next. Accept a different correct strategy when the child accounts for both changes.
Word problemsFind the Missing Change Word Problems
Use the starting amount and what remains to find how many cents were spent.
6 problems · Answer key included
Word problemsAddition & Subtraction Word Problems Within 100
Choose an operation for a joining or taking-away story, then solve within 100.
6 problems · Answer key included
Word problemsAdding Four 2 Digit Numbers Word Problems
Combine four boxes of counters. Pair friendly sums or add tens and ones, keeping every box in the total.
4 problems · Answer key included
More about addition · Grade 2 worksheets
Grade 2 selected skill connection: Selected 2.OA.A.1: two-step adding-to then taking-from stories with the final amount unknown; small numbers, not all within-100 situations or unknown positions. See the Common Core standards for this grade. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.