Addition and Subtraction Word Problems Within 10 Scoot Game: An Engaging Math Activity for First Grade

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Okay, teacher friend—let’s talk about one of my go-to activities for getting kids up and moving while practicing addition and subtraction word problems within 10. You know how hard it can be to keep little learners engaged during word problem practice (especially after lunch or on a rainy day)? That’s where this Addition and Subtraction Word Problems Within 10 Scoot Game comes in and saves the day.

I’ve been using task cards to teach word problems for years, and turning them into a Scoot Game (or a Write the Room Math Center) has been a total game-changer in my classroom. It takes something that can feel repetitive and gives it just enough structure + movement to make it FUN.

Let me walk you through how I use this resource, plus a few tips to keep things running smoothly.

What’s the Game Plan?

This Addition and Subtraction Word Problems Within 10 Scoot Game includes everything you need for a full class Scoot game, an independent write-the-room activity, or even small group practice. You can totally choose what works best for your class!

Each task card has a word problem (all within 10), and the best part? They’re written with mostly CVC decodable words and sight words, so your students can feel successful and independent while solving. You’ll also love that there are picture-supported and text-only versions to meet the needs of your class.

Here’s What’s Included:

  • ✅ 20 Word Problem Task Cards/Scoot Cards
    (Color + Black-and-White Versions, with and without pictures)
  • ✅ 2 Student Recording Sheets
    (One for number sentences, one for workspace/strategy)
  • ✅ Answer Keys for both versions
  • ✅ Teacher Instructions
    So yes—basically everything you need to grab and go!

How I Use the Addition and Subtraction Word Problems Within 10 Scoot Game:

I lay out one task card on each student’s desk (or around the room if we’re writing the room). Every student gets a recording sheet and a pencil. I always model the process beforehand:

  1. Read the problem
  2. Solve using a strategy
  3. Write a number sentence (or work it out in the workspace)

When time’s up, I say “Scoot!” and the students move to the next desk, card, or space. We keep going until everyone has completed as many cards as time allows. (If you are using this as a math center and students don’t finish in the allotted time, you can have students complete it during the next rotation!)

Tips for Playing Scoot Smoothly:

  • Model how to match the card number to the correct box on their recording sheet before you start. You don’t want a kid starting on card #7 and filling in box #1.
  • Scoot is silent in my room. If they talk, we pause and reset. They learn quickly!
  • Let early finishers draw a picture to match the problem or write a new word problem on the back of the recording sheet.
  • Partner up students if students need additional support to complete the Addition and Subtraction Word Problems Within 10 Scoot Game.

Other Ways I Use These Task Cards:

This isn’t just a Scoot game—it’s a flexible resource! I’ve used these in:

  • Write the Room Math Centers (just tape cards around the room and let students “hunt” for math!)
  • Small group intervention with struggling students
  • Partner practice
  • Morning work tubs or early finisher bins

No matter how you use them, your students will get repeated, meaningful practice with addition and subtraction within 10 word problems—and that’s the goal, right?

A Quick Peek at What Skills Are Covered:

These cards include a mix of:

  • Add to and Take from problems
  • Put together/Take apart
  • Compare problems (How many more? How many fewer?)

And every problem sticks to numbers within 10, so it’s perfect for first grade fluency practice!

Two recording sheets are included for differentation. The first has students write a number sentence to solve. The second recording sheet has workspace for students to pick a strategy to work out each addition and subtraction word problem within 10.

Get Started

If your students are working on addition and subtraction within 10 word problems, this Scoot Game + Task Card Set is a must-have. It’s low-prep for you, high-engagement for them, and fits seamlessly into math centers, group work, or a fun whole-class review day.

Trust me, this is the kind of activity your kids will ask to play again and again. If you would like a copy for your class, you can grab one here! Enjoy playing!