Winter Holiday Math & Reading — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Read each phrase. Sort it into the correct group: addition clue or subtraction clue.
Addition Clue
how many in allaltogetherjoined Subtraction Clue
how many are leftfewer thangave away Words like 'in all,' 'altogether,' and 'joined' mean you put numbers together (addition). Words like 'left,' 'fewer,' and 'gave away' mean you take numbers apart (subtraction).
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. 8 snowballs plus 7 snowballs equals 15 snowballs.
8 + 7 = 15. You can split 7 into 2 + 5: add 2 to 8 to make 10, then add 5 more to get 15.
2. 14 icicles minus 6 icicles equals 8 icicles.
14 - 6 = 8. Taking 6 away from 14 leaves 8.
3. Hot chocolate is a warm drink people drink in winter.
A drink is any liquid you sip, and hot chocolate is one of the most popular warm ones. It helps people feel cozy on cold days.
4. 5 scarves plus 9 scarves equals 14 scarves.
5 + 9 = 14. Flip to 9 + 5: 9 + 1 makes 10, then 4 more makes 14.
5. When you go outside in winter, you wear a warm coat.
A coat is a thick outer layer of clothing that traps your body heat. Wearing a coat keeps you warm in freezing winter air.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. December, January, and February are winter months.
True False
In many places, winter officially covers December, January, and February. These are the coldest three months of the year.
2. 15 minus 7 equals 9.
True False
15 - 7 actually equals 8, not 9. Counting back 7 from 15 gives 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8.
3. Snowflakes are all exactly the same shape.
True False
Every snowflake has a unique six-sided shape — no two are exactly alike. This is what makes snowflakes so special.
4. Bears hibernate during the winter.
True False
Bears eat lots of food in fall and then sleep deeply in caves all winter. This long winter sleep is called hibernation.