Number Question Cards: Addition & Subtraction is a versatile and practical resource designed to help students consolidate their understanding of key number operations through the use of varied mathematical language. With 80 question cards included, this resource supports students in connecting different terminology and phrases with the mathematical actions of addition and subtraction. These cards are perfect for building fluency, supporting vocabulary development, and encouraging mental strategies for working with numbers.

Each card presents a unique number-based question using terms such as "count on," "take away," "after," and "what is ___ more/less." By encountering a wide variety of wordings, students develop a deeper conceptual understanding of what it means to add or subtract. Whether working independently, with a partner, or in a guided small group, students will benefit from repeated exposure to this flexible mathematical language. The task can be further supported by the use of a number line, concrete materials, or visual models to scaffold understanding.

This resource can be used in multiple ways. Students may be given a fixed starting number or can select a number from a pile, applying it to the card’s question. It can be played as a warm-up, placed in a numeracy rotation, or used for targeted intervention. The variety of questions encourages mental computation, number sense, and the ability to reason about number relationships. Teachers will appreciate the ease of differentiation and the strong alignment to curriculum goals for early years and junior primary mathematics.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Recognise and interpret different mathematical language for addition and subtraction
• ✅ Apply mental computation strategies using known facts and number patterns
• ✅ Develop confidence using a number line or visual models to support thinking
• ✅ Build flexibility in solving number problems with a variety of structures

What’s Included

• 80 number question cards using addition and subtraction terminology
• Language covered includes: add, count on, more, after, what is ___ more, take away, count back, less, before, what is ___ less
• Instructions and ideas for classroom implementation

Materials Needed

• Printed and cut question cards
• Number line or hundreds chart
• Optional number pile or spinner
• Pencil and paper for recording answers

How to Use

1. Choose a number to work with, either assigned by the teacher or randomly drawn
2. Select a question card and read the prompt aloud
3. Use mental maths, number lines, or manipulatives to solve the problem
4. Record the number sentence or answer on paper
5. Repeat with new cards and numbers to build fluency and understanding

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as part of your daily maths warm-up routine
• 💡 Add to a maths rotation focused on number operations
• 💡 Set up as a partner game using dice or number spinners
• 💡 Use for targeted support in small intervention groups

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Laminate the cards for durability and frequent use
• 💛 Sort the cards by language focus for targeted teaching sessions
• 💛 Encourage students to create their own cards using similar language for peer play

With its rich mathematical language and open-ended structure, Number Question Cards: Addition & Subtraction is a flexible and engaging tool that supports number fluency in the early years classroom.