✨ Bring the magic of fairy tales into math!

This resource includes 50 numberless, fairy-tale and magical-adventure themed CGI (Cognitively Guided Instruction) addition and subtraction word problems designed for students in TK–5. By removing the numbers, teachers can differentiate with ease, adjust difficulty, and help students focus on the structure of addition and subtraction instead of only computation.

Each problem is inspired by the enchanted world of fairy tales—with characters like a snow queen, a lion cub, a mermaid, a fairy godmother, a knight, and more. These are Disney-inspired without using copyrighted names, making them safe for classroom and commercial use while still capturing the magical feel kids love.

What’s Included:

• 50 fairy-tale inspired addition & subtraction word problems grouped by problem type:
• 10 Join (Result Unknown) problems
• 8 Join (Change Unknown) problems
• 7 Join (Start Unknown) problems
• 10 Separate (Result Unknown) problems
• 8 Separate (Change Unknown) problems
• 7 Separate (Start Unknown) problems
• Numberless format with blanks (__) so teachers can insert any numbers they choose
• [Name] placeholders to personalize problems with student names
• Answer Key Template with formulas for each type of problem so teachers (or students) can quickly plug in numbers and solve

✨ Why Teachers Love This Resource:

• Works across multiple grade levels (K–5)
• Supports CGI math instruction and problem-solving discussions
• Encourages focus on reasoning and strategies instead of memorization
• Flexible and reusable — use the same problems over and over with different numbers
• Fun fairy-tale theme sparks imagination and engagement

Ways to Use This Resource:

• Whole-group CGI problem solving
• Small-group guided math talks
• Math centers and independent practice
• Homework or review
• Quick-prep sub plans

Standards Alignment:

These problem types connect to CCSS K.OA, 1.OA, 2.OA, and 3.OA, and mathematical practices like MP1: Make sense of problems and MP3: Construct viable arguments.

Add a touch of magic to your math block with these flexible, fairy-tale inspired word problems — perfect for CGI lessons, centers, and engaging problem-solving discussions!