What this worksheet helps children practise
This addition and subtraction worksheet mixes six problems of each type within 10. Children need to check the sign each time instead of repeating the action from the previous problem. Two examples at the top use dots to show combining groups and taking some away. The twelve practice problems then provide large boxes for writing the answers. A number strip from 0 to 10 stays available at the bottom for finding or checking a result. Use the page in first grade, or with support in kindergarten, after children have explored addition and subtraction separately with objects. All answers lie between zero and ten, and no problem produces a negative number. Examples involving zero help children notice that adding or taking away nothing leaves the starting amount unchanged. Mental calculation is not required. Counters, fingers, or the printed strip can support the child's reasoning before an answer is written.
The main skill is connecting each operation sign to an action. The plus sign means joining or adding; the minus sign means taking away in these problems. The equals sign introduces the result. Ask children to read the entire problem before solving it. Neighboring problems may use different signs, but consecutive problems can also share a sign. The order does not provide a dependable pattern for choosing what to do. For a related skill, use Missing + or − Signs Within 10 with Bao: Write + or − in each box to make the equation true.
Preparing a short session
Set out a pencil, an eraser, and ten small counters that are easy to move. Start with the two examples, pointing to each sign and its dots. Then show where to write in the first answer box. Keep the answer key aside while the child works. Four problems can be enough for one short session; return to another part of the page when the child is ready.
A concrete example to get started
The first example shows 4 + 2 = 6: four dots and two more dots make six. The second shows 7 - 3 = 4: seven dots are drawn, three are crossed out, and four remain. For the first practice problem, 2 + 3, place two counters and add three more to make five. For 9 - 4, begin with nine counters and remove four, leaving five. These problems reach the same answer through different actions. On the number strip, start on the first number and count each move to a neighboring box. The starting box is not a move.
Supporting the activity
Before solving each problem, have the child point to the sign and say whether to add or take away. Let the child choose an aid and write only the final answer. On the number strip, addition moves forward to larger numbers and subtraction moves backward. Each move crosses into the next box. When subtracting zero, the finger stays on the starting number. If the direction is confusing, return to real counters and physically add or remove them before trying the printed problem again. To vary the practice, try Addition and subtraction fact families within 10: Use the three numbers in each model to complete all four equations.
What to notice and how to check
Check an answer by reading both numbers and the operation sign again. A mistake may come from overlooking the sign, counting a counter twice, or counting the starting box as the first move. Ask the child to explain one calculation before reviewing the whole page. In 7 - 7, every counter is removed and zero remain. In 5 - 0, no counters are removed, so the answer is still five. The separate key shows all twelve results in the same boxes as the student sheet.
Making the task easier
Begin with 2 + 3 and 1 + 6 using counters. Next, practice one subtraction with objects before mixing several directions. Cover the remaining cards. Accept a spoken answer if writing the numeral takes too much effort, so the calculation can be considered separately from handwriting.
Keep the learning aim, but reduce how much the child has to handle at once. Cover part of the page with another sheet and reveal one task at a time. Demonstrate a separate example, then leave a real opportunity to work something out. An answer reached with support is still a useful attempt; it does not yet show that the same task can be completed independently.
Taking the idea beyond the worksheet
Choose a completed addition and make a subtraction that returns to the first amount. After 3 + 4 = 7, for example, remove four counters to get back to three. Explain the return with objects before writing a new equation on a separate sheet of paper.
Use the follow-up to meet the same idea in a different setting. Offer it once the first task makes sense, without insisting that the whole page must be perfect. The child might explain a strategy, make an example or set a challenge for an adult. Return to the worksheet only when it helps connect the two situations. A short conversation or a practical activity can be enough to finish the session. To continue exploring, use Missing Number Subtraction within 10: Cross out dots to leave the given result. Write how many you crossed out.
Downloading and printing the PDF
This free PDF contains one worksheet designed for A4 paper. Download the file using the button on this page and open it in your PDF reader. Choose actual size or a 100% scale, check the orientation in the print preview and turn off any browser headers or footers. The illustrations use vector lines, so their outlines stay sharp when printed. Check the margins on one copy before preparing several sheets for a group. The level shown on the page is a guide, rather than a requirement to complete the activity at a particular age.