Picture This! Solving Math Word Problems with Drawings

Math Grades 1st Grade 5:33 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to solve addition and subtraction word problems by drawing pictures! This fun lesson helps 1st graders visualize math and make it easier to understand.

Video Resource

Addition and Subtraction Word Problems with Drawings | Math for 1st Grade | Kids Academy

Kids Academy

Duration: 5:33
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Addition and subtraction word problems
  • Visualizing math problems with drawings
  • Matching word problems to pictures
  • Solving for the total or the remaining amount

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to draw pictures to represent addition and subtraction word problems.
  • Students will be able to match word problems to corresponding pictures.
  • Students will be able to solve addition and subtraction word problems using drawings as a visual aid.
  • Students will be able to write number sentences (equations) that match word problems and pictures.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by explaining that word problems can be tricky, but drawings can help! Tell them that today they will learn how to draw pictures to solve addition and subtraction problems.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the "Addition and Subtraction Word Problems with Drawings | Math for 1st Grade | Kids Academy" video. Encourage students to pay attention to how the teacher draws pictures to represent each word problem.
  • Example Problem (8 mins)
    Present a simple addition word problem: 'Lily has 5 balloons, and Tom has 2 balloons. How many balloons do they have in all?' Guide students to draw 5 balloons for Lily and 2 balloons for Tom. Then, count all the balloons together to find the answer (7). Write the equation: 5 + 2 = 7.
  • Subtraction Problem (8 mins)
    Present a simple subtraction word problem: 'There were 8 cookies on a plate. Sam ate 3 cookies. How many cookies are left?' Guide students to draw 8 cookies and then cross out 3 to represent Sam eating them. Count the remaining cookies to find the answer (5). Write the equation: 8 - 3 = 5.
  • Practice Activity (12 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing word problems. Have them draw pictures to solve each problem and write the corresponding addition or subtraction equation.

Interactive Exercises

  • Picture Match
    Give each student a word problem card and a picture card. Have them find the student with the matching card. Then, they work together to solve the problem using the picture.
  • Draw Your Own Story
    Provide students with a number sentence (e.g., 6 + 4 = 10). Ask them to create their own word problem and draw a picture to represent it.

Discussion Questions

  • Why do you think drawing pictures helps us solve word problems?
  • Can you think of a time when you used a picture to help you understand something?
  • What is something you can draw to represent (addition or subtraction concept)?

Skills Developed

  • Problem-solving
  • Visual representation
  • Critical thinking
  • Mathematical reasoning

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Tom has 3 apples and Jane has 2 apples. How many apples do they have together?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 2:

If you have 7 cookies and you eat 2, how many cookies are left?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 3:

Which picture shows 4 + 1 = 5?

Correct Answer: Four stars and one moon

Question 4:

There are 6 birds on a tree. 2 birds fly away. How many birds are left?

Correct Answer: 4

Question 5:

What does '+' mean?

Correct Answer: Putting together

Question 6:

What does '-' mean?

Correct Answer: Taking away

Question 7:

Lisa has 5 pencils. She gives 1 to her friend. How many pencils does Lisa have now?

Correct Answer: 4

Question 8:

Ben has 2 toy cars. His mom gives him 3 more. How many toy cars does Ben have in all?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 9:

Which of these is an addition problem?

Correct Answer: 4 + 2 = ?

Question 10:

Which of these is a subtraction problem?

Correct Answer: 3 - 1 = ?

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

If you have 4 flowers and you get 3 more, you have ________ flowers.

Correct Answer: 7

Question 2:

If you have 6 balloons and 1 pops, you have ________ balloons left.

Correct Answer: 5

Question 3:

3 + 2 = ________

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

5 - 1 = ________

Correct Answer: 4

Question 5:

Drawing _________ can help you solve word problems.

Correct Answer: pictures

Question 6:

When we put things together, it is called ___________.

Correct Answer: addition

Question 7:

When we take things away, it is called ___________.

Correct Answer: subtraction

Question 8:

Sam has 8 candies. He eats 2. Now he has ______ candies.

Correct Answer: 6

Question 9:

Lily has 5 dolls. Her grandma gives her 4 more. Now she has ______ dolls.

Correct Answer: 9

Question 10:

A picture can help you ______ a word problem.

Correct Answer: understand

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.8:Determine the unknown whole number in an addition or subtraction equation relating three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 + ? = 11, 5 = _ - 3, 6 + 6 = _.

Teaching Materials

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