Kindergarten · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
K.OA.A.2: Solve word problems
K.OA.A.2 is a kindergarten Common Core math standard in Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Solve addition and subtraction word problems, and add and subtract within 10, e.g., by using objects or drawings to represent the problem.
In plain words
Solve word problems.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
There are 3 birds. 1 flies away. How many left?
- 1
- 2
- 3
Where students can get stuck
- Adding the two numbers in every story, even when the story says some of the birds flew away.
- Losing track of the story partway, forgetting whether the second number was added or taken away.
- Answering with the number taken away instead of the number left, so 8 birds with 5 flying away gives 5.
Effective teaching strategies
- Read each story twice and have students act it out or draw it, then ask whether the amount got bigger or smaller before they choose add or take away.
- Ask students to retell the story in order, drawing the starting amount first and then the change, so they keep track of what happened to the second number.
- Pose both “how many flew away?” and “how many are left?” about the same story, such as 8 birds with 5 flying away, so students see that the answers are 5 and 3.
Units that teach this standard
Find where K.OA.A.2 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Adding and subtracting story problems within 10 for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice problem solving at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free for every family.
See how it works for teachers
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.