Help your students build fluency and confidence with addition and subtraction word problems using this fun and interactive set of Addition & Subtraction Word Problem Peg Cards! This hands-on resource encourages learners to read carefully, think strategically, and apply their number facts while engaging in a simple self-checking activity. The colourful and engaging format makes it perfect for small group work, independent practise, or maths rotations.

The resource includes 16 different word problem cards, each with a clear and age-appropriate problem accompanied by three possible answers displayed on the side. To solve, students read the problem and use a peg to mark the correct answer. This tactile element provides valuable kinaesthetic support and makes the activity more interactive and engaging. Using a peg also allows for easy checking and re-use of the cards, making them perfect for repeated practise throughout the year.

Addition & Subtraction Word Problem Peg Cards encourage flexible thinking, reinforce mathematical language, and help students develop confidence when solving word problems. The cards feature real-world contexts and a mix of both addition and subtraction problems, supporting students in applying their skills to a variety of scenarios. This resource also promotes independent learning, as students can complete the activity on their own or in pairs while receiving immediate feedback through discussion or guided checking.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Develop fluency with addition and subtraction facts
• ✅ Strengthen understanding of mathematical language in word problems
• ✅ Build confidence in solving word problems independently
• ✅ Promote flexible thinking and strategic reasoning
• ✅ Foster engagement and hands-on learning through interactive tasks

What’s Included:

• 16 Addition & Subtraction Word Problem Peg Cards
• Each card featuring a word problem with three answer options
• Teacher notes with tips for classroom use and differentiation

Materials Needed:

• Printed and laminated peg cards
• Small pegs or clips for marking answers
• Storage container or zip-lock bag to organise the cards

How to Use:

1. Print and laminate the Addition & Subtraction Word Problem Peg Cards.
2. Introduce the activity by modelling how to read a word problem carefully and select the correct answer.
3. Provide students with a set of peg cards and a small peg or clip.
4. Students read each word problem, use the peg to mark their chosen answer, and discuss their reasoning.
5. Encourage students to self-check by revisiting the card or by checking with a partner or the teacher.
6. Repeat the activity regularly to build fluency and confidence with addition and subtraction problem solving.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during maths rotations to reinforce problem-solving skills with hands-on practise
• 💡 Incorporate into small group lessons to model mathematical language and strategies
• 💡 Offer as an independent task for early finishers or targeted intervention groups
• 💡 Pair students to encourage collaborative reasoning and discussion while solving problems
• 💡 Use as a warm-up activity or quick revision tool during mental maths sessions

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate the cards for durability and repeated use throughout the year
• 💛 Use pegs in different colours to help students easily identify their chosen answers
• 💛 Encourage students to verbalise their thinking and explain their strategies as they solve each problem
• 💛 Regularly rotate and revisit the cards to consolidate fluency with addition and subtraction problem solving

Addition & Subtraction Word Problem Peg Cards are a fun, flexible, and highly effective resource for building confidence and fluency in solving word problems. The interactive, hands-on format helps students engage meaningfully with mathematical thinking, while developing essential problem-solving skills!