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Word Problem Wizardry

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Lesson Plan

Word Problem Wizardry Lesson Plan

To enable 2nd-grade students to master addition and subtraction word problems by teaching them to identify keywords, differentiate between single and multi-step problems, and apply effective problem-solving strategies.

This lesson is vital for developing foundational math literacy, strengthening number sense, and enhancing critical thinking skills, preparing students for more complex mathematical concepts.

Audience

2nd Grade

Time

3 Weeks, 12 Sessions (30 minutes each)

Approach

A progressive series of guided instruction, collaborative problem-solving, and differentiated practice across 12 sessions, using visual aids and manipulatives to build confidence and proficiency in identifying keywords, problem types, and strategies.

Materials

Whiteboard or Chart Paper, Markers, Manipulatives (e.g., counters, base ten blocks), Individual Whiteboards/Markers, Word Problem Practice Worksheet, and Answer Key for Word Problems

Prep

Prepare Materials and Environment

15 minutes per session

Step 1

Session Progression Overview (2 minutes)

2 minutes

  • Each 30-minute session will follow the general structure of Warm-Up, Direct Instruction, Guided Practice, and Independent Practice.
  • Over the 12 sessions, the content will gradually progress from single-step addition, to single-step subtraction, to mixed single-step problems, and finally to multi-step word problems.
  • Refer to the Word Problem Practice Worksheet for examples of content progression across sessions.

Step 2

Warm-Up: What's the Story? (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin with a quick review question or a simple word problem to activate prior knowledge.
  • Teacher Script Idea: "Welcome, word problem wizards! Let's get our brains ready with a quick math puzzle. If I have 3 apples and you give me 2 more, how many do I have? Think out loud!"

Step 3

Direct Instruction: Decoding the Problem (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Introduce or review a specific type of word problem (e.g., "joining" problems for addition, "taking away" for subtraction, or identifying keywords).
  • Model problem-solving using a think-aloud strategy, highlighting keywords and strategies on the whiteboard.
  • Teacher Script Idea: "Today, we're going to be detectives and find clues in our word problems. Watch how I solve this one, paying close attention to the words that tell me if I need to add or subtract."

Step 4

Guided Practice: Team Solvers (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Work through 1-2 word problems together as a group.
  • Encourage students to share their thinking and strategies.
  • Provide individualized support and prompts as needed.
  • Teacher Script Idea: "Now it's our turn to solve a problem together. Who can spot a keyword that tells us what to do? Let's work step-by-step."

Step 5

Independent Practice: Your Turn to Shine (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Students attempt a word problem or two from the Word Problem Practice Worksheet.
  • Circulate and offer support, noting common misconceptions.
  • Teacher Script Idea: "You've got this! Try these problems on your own. Remember the strategies we just talked about. I'll be here to help if you get stuck."
  • Early Finisher Extension: For students who finish early, encourage them to either solve additional problems from the Word Problem Practice Worksheet for upcoming sessions or create their own word problems related to the day's focus for a partner to solve.
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Worksheet

Word Problem Practice: Addition & Subtraction

Directions: Read each word problem carefully. Show your work and write your answer in the space provided.

Session 1: Addition Story Problems

  1. Lily has 5 red balloons. Her friend Max gives her 3 more blue balloons. How many balloons does Lily have in all?



  2. There are 7 birds sitting on a tree branch. 4 more birds fly to join them. How many birds are on the branch now?



  3. Sam baked 6 cookies. His mom baked 5 more cookies. How many cookies did they bake together?



Session 2: Subtraction Story Problems

  1. A farmer had 10 apples. He sold 4 apples at the market. How many apples does the farmer have left?



  2. There were 9 butterflies flying in the garden. 3 butterflies flew away. How many butterflies are still in the garden?



  3. Mia had 12 crayons. She lost 5 of them. How many crayons does Mia have now?



Session 3: Mixed Practice - Single Step

  1. Tom had 8 toy cars. His dad bought him 2 new cars. How many toy cars does Tom have in total?



  2. There are 11 books on the shelf. Sarah took 6 books to read. How many books are left on the shelf?



  3. At the park, there were 5 swings and 3 slides. How many play items are there in total?



Session 4: Two-Step Story Problems

  1. Emma had 7 stickers. She got 3 more stickers from her teacher, and then gave 2 stickers to her brother. How many stickers does Emma have now?






  2. There are 15 fish in a pond. 5 fish swam away, but then 3 new fish joined them. How many fish are in the pond now?






  3. A baker made 8 cupcakes. He sold 4 cupcakes in the morning and 2 more in the afternoon. How many cupcakes does he have left?






Session 5: More Mixed Single Step

  1. There were 14 red flowers and 6 yellow flowers in the garden. How many flowers are there in all?



  2. Mom bought 11 cookies. My brother ate 4 cookies. How many cookies are left?



  3. A bus started with 10 passengers. 5 got off at the first stop. How many passengers are still on the bus?



Session 6: Mixed Single Step - Find the Missing Part

  1. There are 15 students in the class. 7 are boys. How many girls are in the class?



  2. Dad bought a pack of 12 pencils. He gave some to me, and now he has 8 pencils left. How many pencils did he give to me?



  3. I have 6 blue marbles and some green marbles. Altogether, I have 13 marbles. How many green marbles do I have?



Session 7: Introduction to Two-Step Problems (Addition Focus)

  1. Sarah saw 5 squirrels in the morning and 4 more in the afternoon. Later, 3 more squirrels came to play. How many squirrels did Sarah see in total?






  2. A bird laid 6 eggs. Then she laid 2 more eggs. If 3 of the eggs hatched, how many eggs are left to hatch?






  3. There are 8 red apples and 5 green apples in a basket. If I add 3 more red apples, how many red apples are there now?






Session 8: Introduction to Two-Step Problems (Subtraction Focus)

  1. There were 12 birds on a wire. 4 flew away, and then 3 more flew away. How many birds are left on the wire?






  2. Mom baked 10 muffins. We ate 3 for breakfast and 2 for a snack. How many muffins are left?






  3. A tree had 15 leaves. 7 leaves fell off, and then the wind blew off 2 more. How many leaves are still on the tree?






Session 9: Mixed Two-Step Problems

  1. John had 9 crayons. He gave 2 to his sister and then bought 5 new crayons. How many crayons does John have now?






  2. There were 11 kids playing tag. 4 kids went home, but then 6 new kids came to play. How many kids are playing tag now?






  3. A store had 13 toy cars. They sold 5 cars, and then 3 more cars arrived. How many toy cars does the store have?






Session 10: Two-Step Problems with Larger Numbers (within 20)

  1. Lisa collected 12 seashells on Monday and 8 seashells on Tuesday. She gave 7 seashells to her friend. How many seashells does Lisa have left?






  2. There are 16 books on a shelf. Mark borrowed 5 books, and then his mom put 3 new books on the shelf. How many books are on the shelf now?






  3. A baker made 18 cookies. He sold 9 in the morning and 6 in the afternoon. How many cookies does he have left?






Session 11: Challenge Two-Step Problems

  1. At the pet store, there were 10 puppies and 7 kittens. 3 puppies were adopted, and 2 new kittens arrived. How many animals are at the pet store now?






  2. Maria had 14 stickers. She used 6 stickers in her art project, and her brother gave her 5 more. How many stickers does Maria have?






  3. There were 20 balloons for a party. 8 balloons popped before the party, and then 5 more balloons were blown up. How many balloons are there for the party?






Session 12: Review and Advanced Two-Step Problems

  1. David had 15 marbles. He won 6 more in a game, but then lost 4 marbles. How many marbles does David have now?






  2. A gardener planted 9 rose bushes and 7 sunflower plants. If 3 rose bushes didn't grow, and he planted 2 more sunflower plants, how many plants are thriving in the garden?






  3. There are 17 apples in a basket. We ate 5 apples for lunch, and then Grandma added 3 more apples. How many apples are in the basket now?






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Answer Key

Answer Key: Word Problem Practice

Session 1: Addition Story Problems

  1. Problem: Lily has 5 red balloons. Her friend Max gives her 3 more blue balloons. How many balloons does Lily have in all?

    • Thought Process: The phrase "in all" tells us to add. We start with 5 and add 3. 5 + 3 = 8
    • Answer: Lily has 8 balloons in all.

  2. Problem: There are 7 birds sitting on a tree branch. 4 more birds fly to join them. How many birds are on the branch now?

    • Thought Process: "More birds fly to join them" means we add. We start with 7 and add 4. 7 + 4 = 11
    • Answer: There are 11 birds on the branch now.

  3. Problem: Sam baked 6 cookies. His mom baked 5 more cookies. How many cookies did they bake together?

    • Thought Process: "Together" and "more cookies" indicate addition. We add 6 and 5. 6 + 5 = 11
    • Answer: They baked 11 cookies together.

Session 2: Subtraction Story Problems

  1. Problem: A farmer had 10 apples. He sold 4 apples at the market. How many apples does the farmer have left?

    • Thought Process: "Sold" and "left" tell us to subtract. We start with 10 and take away 4. 10 - 4 = 6
    • Answer: The farmer has 6 apples left.

  2. Problem: There were 9 butterflies flying in the garden. 3 butterflies flew away. How many butterflies are still in the garden?

    • Thought Process: "Flew away" and "still in the garden" mean subtraction. We start with 9 and subtract 3. 9 - 3 = 6
    • Answer: There are 6 butterflies still in the garden.

  3. Problem: Mia had 12 crayons. She lost 5 of them. How many crayons does Mia have now?

    • Thought Process: "Lost" means to subtract. We start with 12 and subtract 5. 12 - 5 = 7
    • Answer: Mia has 7 crayons now.

Session 3: Mixed Practice - Single Step

  1. Problem: Tom had 8 toy cars. His dad bought him 2 new cars. How many toy cars does Tom have in total?

    • Thought Process: "Bought him new cars" and "in total" indicate addition. 8 + 2 = 10
    • Answer: Tom has 10 toy cars in total.

  2. Problem: There are 11 books on the shelf. Sarah took 6 books to read. How many books are left on the shelf?

    • Thought Process: "Took" and "left" mean subtraction. 11 - 6 = 5
    • Answer: 5 books are left on the shelf.

  3. Problem: At the park, there were 5 swings and 3 slides. How many play items are there in total?

    • Thought Process: "And" and "in total" mean addition. 5 + 3 = 8
    • Answer: There are 8 play items in total.

Session 4: Two-Step Story Problems

  1. Problem: Emma had 7 stickers. She got 3 more stickers from her teacher, and then gave 2 stickers to her brother. How many stickers does Emma have now?

    • Thought Process: First, she got more (add): 7 + 3 = 10. Then, she gave some away (subtract): 10 - 2 = 8
    • Answer: Emma has 8 stickers now.

  2. Problem: There are 15 fish in a pond. 5 fish swam away, but then 3 new fish joined them. How many fish are in the pond now?

    • Thought Process: First, fish swam away (subtract): 15 - 5 = 10. Then, new fish joined (add): 10 + 3 = 13
    • Answer: There are 13 fish in the pond now.

  3. Problem: A baker made 8 cupcakes. He sold 4 cupcakes in the morning and 2 more in the afternoon. How many cupcakes does he have left?

    • Thought Process: First, he sold 4 (subtract): 8 - 4 = 4. Then, he sold 2 more (subtract): 4 - 2 = 2
    • Answer: He has 2 cupcakes left.

Session 5: More Mixed Single Step

  1. Problem: There were 14 red flowers and 6 yellow flowers in the garden. How many flowers are there in all?

    • Thought Process: "And" and "in all" mean addition. 14 + 6 = 20
    • Answer: There are 20 flowers in all.

  2. Problem: Mom bought 11 cookies. My brother ate 4 cookies. How many cookies are left?

    • Thought Process: "Ate" and "left" mean subtraction. 11 - 4 = 7
    • Answer: 7 cookies are left.

  3. Problem: A bus started with 10 passengers. 5 got off at the first stop. How many passengers are still on the bus?

    • Thought Process: "Got off" and "still on the bus" mean subtraction. 10 - 5 = 5
    • Answer: 5 passengers are still on the bus.

Session 6: Mixed Single Step - Find the Missing Part

  1. Problem: There are 15 students in the class. 7 are boys. How many girls are in the class?

    • Thought Process: We know the total and one part, so we subtract to find the other part. 15 - 7 = 8
    • Answer: There are 8 girls in the class.

  2. Problem: Dad bought a pack of 12 pencils. He gave some to me, and now he has 8 pencils left. How many pencils did he give to me?

    • Thought Process: We know the total and how many are left, so we subtract to find how many were given away. 12 - 8 = 4
    • Answer: He gave 4 pencils to me.

  3. Problem: I have 6 blue marbles and some green marbles. Altogether, I have 13 marbles. How many green marbles do I have?

    • Thought Process: We know the total and one part, so we subtract to find the other part. 13 - 6 = 7
    • Answer: I have 7 green marbles.

Session 7: Introduction to Two-Step Problems (Addition Focus)

  1. Problem: Sarah saw 5 squirrels in the morning and 4 more in the afternoon. Later, 3 more squirrels came to play. How many squirrels did Sarah see in total?

    • Thought Process: First, add the morning and afternoon squirrels: 5 + 4 = 9. Then, add the squirrels that came later: 9 + 3 = 12
    • Answer: Sarah saw 12 squirrels in total.

  2. Problem: A bird laid 6 eggs. Then she laid 2 more eggs. If 3 of the eggs hatched, how many eggs are left to hatch?

    • Thought Process: First, find the total eggs laid: 6 + 2 = 8. Then, subtract the hatched eggs: 8 - 3 = 5
    • Answer: There are 5 eggs left to hatch.

  3. Problem: There are 8 red apples and 5 green apples in a basket. If I add 3 more red apples, how many red apples are there now?

    • Thought Process: This is a tricky one! We only care about the red apples. Start with 8 red apples and add 3 more: 8 + 3 = 11
    • Answer: There are 11 red apples now.

Session 8: Introduction to Two-Step Problems (Subtraction Focus)

  1. Problem: There were 12 birds on a wire. 4 flew away, and then 3 more flew away. How many birds are left on the wire?

    • Thought Process: First, subtract the first group that flew away: 12 - 4 = 8. Then, subtract the second group: 8 - 3 = 5
    • Answer: 5 birds are left on the wire.

  2. Problem: Mom baked 10 muffins. We ate 3 for breakfast and 2 for a snack. How many muffins are left?

    • Thought Process: First, find out how many were eaten in total: 3 + 2 = 5. Then, subtract from the total muffins: 10 - 5 = 5
    • Answer: 5 muffins are left.

  3. Problem: A tree had 15 leaves. 7 leaves fell off, and then the wind blew off 2 more. How many leaves are still on the tree?

    • Thought Process: First, subtract the leaves that fell off: 15 - 7 = 8. Then, subtract the leaves the wind blew off: 8 - 2 = 6
    • Answer: 6 leaves are still on the tree.

Session 9: Mixed Two-Step Problems

  1. Problem: John had 9 crayons. He gave 2 to his sister and then bought 5 new crayons. How many crayons does John have now?

    • Thought Process: First, he gave some away (subtract): 9 - 2 = 7. Then, he bought more (add): 7 + 5 = 12
    • Answer: John has 12 crayons now.

  2. Problem: There were 11 kids playing tag. 4 kids went home, but then 6 new kids came to play. How many kids are playing tag now?

    • Thought Process: First, kids went home (subtract): 11 - 4 = 7. Then, new kids came (add): 7 + 6 = 13
    • Answer: 13 kids are playing tag now.

  3. Problem: A store had 13 toy cars. They sold 5 cars, and then 3 more cars arrived. How many toy cars does the store have?

    • Thought Process: First, cars were sold (subtract): 13 - 5 = 8. Then, more cars arrived (add): 8 + 3 = 11
    • Answer: The store has 11 toy cars.

Session 10: Two-Step Problems with Larger Numbers (within 20)

  1. Problem: Lisa collected 12 seashells on Monday and 8 seashells on Tuesday. She gave 7 seashells to her friend. How many seashells does Lisa have left?

    • Thought Process: First, find the total collected: 12 + 8 = 20. Then, subtract the ones she gave away: 20 - 7 = 13
    • Answer: Lisa has 13 seashells left.

  2. Problem: There are 16 books on a shelf. Mark borrowed 5 books, and then his mom put 3 new books on the shelf. How many books are on the shelf now?

    • Thought Process: First, books were borrowed (subtract): 16 - 5 = 11. Then, new books were added (add): 11 + 3 = 14
    • Answer: There are 14 books on the shelf now.

  3. Problem: A baker made 18 cookies. He sold 9 in the morning and 6 in the afternoon. How many cookies does he have left?

    • Thought Process: First, find total sold: 9 + 6 = 15. Then, subtract from the total made: 18 - 15 = 3
    • Answer: He has 3 cookies left.

Session 11: Challenge Two-Step Problems

  1. Problem: At the pet store, there were 10 puppies and 7 kittens. 3 puppies were adopted, and 2 new kittens arrived. How many animals are at the pet store now?

    • Thought Process: Calculate puppies first: 10 - 3 = 7. Calculate kittens next: 7 + 2 = 9. Then, add them together: 7 + 9 = 16
    • Answer: There are 16 animals at the pet store now.

  2. Problem: Maria had 14 stickers. She used 6 stickers in her art project, and her brother gave her 5 more. How many stickers does Maria have?

    • Thought Process: First, subtract the stickers she used: 14 - 6 = 8. Then, add the stickers her brother gave her: 8 + 5 = 13
    • Answer: Maria has 13 stickers.

  3. Problem: There were 20 balloons for a party. 8 balloons popped before the party, and then 5 more balloons were blown up. How many balloons are there for the party?

    • Thought Process: First, subtract the popped balloons: 20 - 8 = 12. Then, add the new balloons: 12 + 5 = 17
    • Answer: There are 17 balloons for the party.

Session 12: Review and Advanced Two-Step Problems

  1. Problem: David had 15 marbles. He won 6 more in a game, but then lost 4 marbles. How many marbles does David have now?

    • Thought Process: First, add the marbles he won: 15 + 6 = 21. Then, subtract the marbles he lost: 21 - 4 = 17
    • Answer: David has 17 marbles now.

  2. Problem: A gardener planted 9 rose bushes and 7 sunflower plants. If 3 rose bushes didn't grow, and he planted 2 more sunflower plants, how many plants are thriving in the garden?

    • Thought Process: First, calculate thriving rose bushes: 9 - 3 = 6. Then, calculate thriving sunflower plants: 7 + 2 = 9. Finally, add them together: 6 + 9 = 15
    • Answer: There are 15 thriving plants in the garden.

  3. Problem: There are 17 apples in a basket. We ate 5 apples for lunch, and then Grandma added 3 more apples. How many apples are in the basket now?

    • Thought Process: First, subtract the eaten apples: 17 - 5 = 12. Then, add the apples Grandma added: 12 + 3 = 15
    • Answer: There are 15 apples in the basket now.
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Script

Word Problem Wizardry: Session 1 Script

Warm-Up: What's the Story? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, my amazing math detectives! Welcome to Word Problem Wizardry! Today, we're going to sharpen our math brains by solving some cool story problems. To get us started, let's try a quick one together. Listen carefully: If I have 3 shiny red apples, and then my friend gives me 2 more juicy green apples, how many apples do I have in all? Talk to your shoulder partner for a few seconds about how you would solve this!"

(Allow students to discuss briefly, then call on a few to share their strategies.)

Teacher: "Fantastic thinking! I heard some great ideas. It sounds like many of you knew to add 3 and 2 to get 5. Great job activating your math brains!"

Direct Instruction: Decoding the Problem (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Today, we're going to learn how to be super solvers of addition word problems. We're going to look for special 'clue words' that tell us exactly what to do. When we see words like 'in all,' 'altogether,' 'total,' or 'how many now,' that's our signal to add! These words mean we are putting things together."

*(Write keywords like

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Word Problem Wizardry • Lenny Learning