Two-step word problems in Grade 2: how to break them down
Strategies for helping Grade 2 children solve two-step addition and subtraction word problems without getting lost.
A two-step word problem needs two calculations to reach the answer. For example: "Jo had 30 stickers. She gave 8 to her brother and then bought 12 more. How many does she have now?"
Children often do the first step and stop, or add every number they see. A clear routine helps.
Break the story into parts
- Read the whole problem.
- Cover everything after the first event and solve just that part: 30 − 8 = 22.
- Uncover the next part and use the new number: 22 + 12 = 34.
- Read the question again and check the answer fits.
Draw a timeline
For stories that happen in order, a simple timeline helps: start, then what changed, then what changed next. Children can write the number at each point.
Ask "what do I know now?"
After each step, ask your child to say what the new number means: "Jo has 22 stickers after giving some away." This keeps the story connected to the maths.