Solve story problems within 10

Story problems are where your child's adding and subtracting meet real life: sharing snacks, counting toys, and working out what is left. Picturing the story and deciding whether things are joined or taken away is a skill they will use in every later grade, as the numbers grow to 20 in 1st grade and to 100 in 2nd grade, and as stories gain more than one step.

In this video, your child will learn to solve story problems by drawing them.

The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.

Three problems, each a little harder

Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.

Example 1

Mia has 3 flowers. She picks 2 more. How many flowers does she have now?

Example 2

There are 7 cars. 3 cars drive away. How many cars are left?

Your child's turn

Sam has 4 orange and 5 purple crayons. How many crayons does he have in all?

The three key steps

  1. 1Listen to the story.
  2. 2Draw what happens.
  3. 3Add or take away, then count.

Mistakes to listen for

  • 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.

The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to adding and subtracting story problems within 10 →

Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?

Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.

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Questions parents ask

Does my child need an account to watch?

No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice adding and subtracting story problems within 10, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.

What happens when my child answers a question?

A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.

Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?

Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.

Where can I learn more?

There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to adding and subtracting story problems within 10 has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →

Practice adding and subtracting story problems within 10

Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on adding and subtracting story problems within 10 and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.

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