{"id":14851,"date":"2024-03-19T05:39:27","date_gmt":"2024-03-19T13:39:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=14851"},"modified":"2025-11-14T18:33:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-15T02:33:35","slug":"how-to-teach-addition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/how-to-teach-addition\/14851","title":{"rendered":"How to Teach Addition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full aofl-no-margin\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Addition-Article.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14886\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Addition-Article.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Addition-Article-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Addition-Article-768x256.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-group1\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#033eaa\"><strong>How to Teach Addition So Kids Really Understand It<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#767676;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Get strategies for teaching your child addition and a few tips and tricks to help make learning more effective and enjoyable.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-byline1 is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83761706a507f5fc2a8f47456b5dbed9\" style=\"color:#01075f\">By ABCmouse Editors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f5c64b6196e9415e367561c9af8ea066\" style=\"color:#01075f\">Reviewed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/owen-bissell-profile-expert-advice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Owen Bissell<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-table-ofcontents has-background\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#01075f;background-color:#bdd7ff\">Table of Contents<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-637cc099167ce998ad232472b719b69b\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><a href=\"#prepare\" title=\"\">Preparing to Teach Addition Skills<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50baa33d0f80826954e23cd3cea802d3\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><a href=\"#strategies\" title=\"\">6 <strong>Strategies for Teaching and Learning Addition<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-00f369fc259cd2c55d0e5a997dd9173b\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><a href=\"#tools\" title=\"\">Math Manipulatives and Tools for Teaching Addition<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f2caaa73ffb2d5d992031797f2e57039\" style=\"color:#033eaa\"><strong><a href=\"#games\" title=\"\">Addition Games and Activities<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9254e907e4f87836e21115b1c5819e46\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><a href=\"#advanced\" title=\"\">Advanced Addition Skills for Kids<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c3f86980ea039c65e13d080b8180f451\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><a href=\"#help\" title=\"\">How to Help Kids Who Struggle With Addition<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\">Around the time they reach first grade, kids begin working on arithmetic concepts like addition and subtraction. Students need a strong foundation in these skills before they can move on to more advanced math, so it\u2019s important to spend time making sure children truly understand them. Here\u2019s what you need to know about teaching addition to kids.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image aofl-advice-image-video\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"928\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-2.jpg\" alt=\"A father helping his son with math homework. \" class=\"wp-image-13732\" style=\"border-radius:15px;aspect-ratio:2.0714285714285716;object-fit:cover;width:928px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-2.jpg 928w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-2-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-2-768x371.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 928px) 100vw, 928px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading\" id=\"prepare\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong>Preparing to Teach Addition Skills<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\">Before kids can learn to add, they\u2019ll need foundational counting skills. They must develop what\u2019s known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/number-sense-activities-for-pre-k-and-early-elementary\/21185\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">number sense<\/a>, including the following concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/teach-counting\/26869\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Ordinality<\/a>:<\/strong> When we teach kids to count, we\u2019re basically teaching them the correct order of numbers, known as ordinality. Younger students learn to count to 10, while older students work toward 100 and beyond. Remember to practice counting backward too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e0a1ffdda2a21ca453d2152f09394150\" style=\"color:#01075f\"><strong>Try this: <\/strong>When you go for a walk, practice counting your steps out loud. For an extra challenge, walk and count backward!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f\"><strong>Less and More:<\/strong> You can introduce the general idea of addition to kids very early on, simply by talking about the concept of \u201cless\u201d and \u201cmore.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d3c00ad91eabfdfa85b9b09bc5615bbc\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Try this:<\/strong> Give your child a few grapes, and take a bigger amount for yourself. Ask who has more grapes, you or your child?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/one-to-one-correspondence\/40057\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">1-to-1 Correspondence<\/a>:<\/strong> As you teach kids to count, be sure to correlate physical amounts of items with the numbers. It\u2019s not enough for kids to just be able to say their numbers in order. They must be able to relate a number to an item being counted, a skill known as \u201c1-to-1 correspondence.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bc34b14c8af92a4c4e5e5257e6367a5c\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Try this: <\/strong>Count items out loud together at every opportunity, touching each item as you say the number whenever possible. Emphasize that you only touch each item one time as you count. The last number counted tells how many items there are in all. Consistently ask at the end of each count, &#8220;How many do you have in all?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0f733756acbf1c5f0d1f89e584c852b8\" style=\"color:#01075f\"><strong>Cardinality:<\/strong> This term means students understand a number relates directly to a group of items; for example, the numeral 7 and the word seven represents a group of 7 bananas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f727fda41ac1fe407b633bed4e1fd51f\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Try this:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"color:#01075f\" class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85065bbd917aa1674a88a9d0228c83ba\">\n<li class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding\">Lay out groups of various items. Give your child number cards or magnets, and ask them to match the correct number with each group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work on recognizing one and two more is important for development of number relationships. (For example, knowing one and two more than 7 helps a child know that 8 is one more than 7 and also one less than 9.)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the benchmark number 5. It&#8217;s helpful for a student to think of 7, for example, as a combination of 5 and 2 more. Hands\/fingers are great tools for building familiarity with 5 as a benchmark!&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduce part-part-whole relationships. This can mean starting with a &#8220;whole&#8221; &#8211; a set of 5 items, for example, breaking it apart into two smaller parts (such as 4 and 1), and recognizing out loud that the parts 4 and 1 make 5 in all.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;background-color:#fff7c7fa\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-royal-depths-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dc4578841421de021ea982d610dfebc5\" style=\"font-size:4rem\"><strong>ABCmouse doubles early learning gains in reading and math.<\/strong>*<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6dcf034834f8c1b79921c4ad9309bd4a\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-size:12px\">*Age of Learning study; PreK kids; min. 2 day\/wk &amp; 1 hr\/wk usage. See&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/aofl.com\/research\">aofl.com\/research<\/a>&nbsp;for more info.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/118d8757-03c3-4df4-afae-5f69a4f239b1_58406-4x.png\" alt=\"A fun ABCmouse preschool learning game. \" class=\"wp-image-51655\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/118d8757-03c3-4df4-afae-5f69a4f239b1_58406-4x.png 960w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/118d8757-03c3-4df4-afae-5f69a4f239b1_58406-4x-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/118d8757-03c3-4df4-afae-5f69a4f239b1_58406-4x-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/program\/math-learning-program-online\"><strong>Get the ABCmouse Math Curriculum HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots aofl-advice-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading\" id=\"strategies\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong>6 <strong>Strategies for Teaching and Learning Addition<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns aofl-advice-media-text is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Once they\u2019ve developed a good grasp of number sense, kids are ready to see addition in action. Start with smaller numbers, like addition within a sum of five, then ten. Then, build their skills until they know all their basic addition facts. Here are some strategies and tips for teaching addition to your child.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"456\" height=\"264\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-3.jpg\" alt=\"Math problems on a sheet of paper and straws. \" class=\"wp-image-13733\" style=\"border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-3.jpg 456w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-3-300x174.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 456px) 100vw, 456px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-background\" style=\"border-radius:15px;background-color:#dfe4ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading no-padding no-margin has-text-color\" style=\"color:#033eaa\">1. <strong>Writing Equations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Learning to add means writing out equations like \u201c3 + 5 = 8,\u201d so you\u2019ll need to teach them those symbols and what they mean. They\u2019ll also need to learn words like \u201caddend\u201d and \u201csum.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62ee77d4b50850c2d25a011de4eb8e5b\" style=\"color:#01075f\"><strong> Try this:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"color:#01075f\" class=\"wp-block-list aofl-checkbox2 aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-929ddc8077278dd1e1916b7dc03b0f82\">\n<li>Make cards with addition signs and equals signs on them. It\u2019s also important for young students to learn from the start that the equal sign means &#8220;is the same as.&#8221; Many tend to believe the sign basically means &#8220;the answer is.&#8221; Use these cards along with number cards or magnets to build an equation. Exposure to equations like &#8220;8 = 3 + 5&#8221; is beneficial, too. Many students have the misconception that equations can only be built in the more often seen structure, [addend] + [addend] = [sum].<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build equations in tandem with showing a visual or adding actual items. For example, use some beads or other household objects and say to your child &#8220;You had 6 beads, and now I&#8217;ve given you 3 more beads. How many beads do you have in all?&#8221;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#033eaa\">2. <strong>Counting On<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Basically, this means kids can start counting upward from any number, without needing to start at number 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75f32f567d6aa52d95d8ea01f5472fbe\" style=\"color:#01075f\"><strong>Try this:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"color:#01075f\" class=\"wp-block-list aofl-checkbox2 aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-853c841677902f288f435b6d8804d768\">\n<li>Try this: Lay out three items and ask your child to count them. Then, add three more items to the display. Starting at 3, ask your child to \u201ccount on\u201d to find the total number of items.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"456\" height=\"264\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-5.jpg\" alt=\"A child doing math homework. \" class=\"wp-image-13739\" style=\"border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-5.jpg 456w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-5-300x174.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 456px) 100vw, 456px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#033eaa\">3. <strong>Zero Facts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">This seems like an obvious concept to adults, but kids need to learn that when you add zero to a number the number does not change. (Remember to include zero as a concept when you\u2019re teaching kids to count.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5571fa9f7a3768b877e2967915e2e438\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Try this:<\/strong> Introduce flashcards using zero facts. Kids usually master these pretty quickly, and this will help them become familiar with the concept of flashcards too.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#033eaa\">4. <strong><strong>Making 10<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Another simple concept teachers often use is the idea of \u201cmaking ten.\u201d This helps kids master all their lower addition facts. Plus, it prepares them for the idea of regrouping when they begin adding two-digit and larger numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95662841bc78a30d61ce6ed4dda23668\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Try this:<\/strong> Give kids 10 small items. Have them lay out 1 item, then add the other nine, counting on until they reach 10. Repeat with 2, 3, 4, etc. As they develop their skills, ask them to \u201cmake ten\u201d without needing to count on.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#033eaa\">5. <strong><strong><strong>Turn Around Facts<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">One nice thing about addition is that it doesn\u2019t matter what order the addends appear in; the sum is always the same. In other words, 4 + 5 and 5 + 4 both equal 9. One way to support this understanding is to refer to addends as &#8220;parts&#8221; and the sum as the &#8220;whole.&#8221; The parts added together will always make the whole!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7805c1ee87d2de074ca27de87fc8fdf9\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Try this:<\/strong> Give your child three items, while you hold five items. Ask them for the total number of items you each have. Then, trade items, so they have five and you have three. Ask them for the total again. Note that it\u2019s the same sum, no matter what order you add them up in.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#033eaa\">6. <strong><strong><strong>Tally Marks<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Tally marks (a series of four vertical slashes with a diagonal fifth slash to represent each grouping of five) are a fun way to practice counting on and basic addition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1a278f15b164ca412afbe257e7ee3eb4\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Try this:<\/strong> Take turns tossing balls into a basket. For each one that goes in, award the player a tally mark. Compete to be the first to reach 5, 10, or another target number.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots aofl-advice-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-image u-m-hide\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/abc\/prospect-register\/?src_tag=wp:cta:0018\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ABCmouse-Math-CTA-2.0-Desktop.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ABCmouse-Math-CTA-2.0-Desktop.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ABCmouse-Math-CTA-2.0-Desktop-300x165.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ABCmouse-Math-CTA-2.0-Desktop-768x422.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image u-d-hide  aofl-mb-3rem-margin \">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/abc\/prospect-register\/?src_tag=wp:cta:0018\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"622\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ABCmouse-Math-CTA-2.0-Mobile.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ABCmouse-Math-CTA-2.0-Mobile.png 393w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ABCmouse-Math-CTA-2.0-Mobile-190x300.png 190w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots aofl-advice-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading\" id=\"tools\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong>Math Manipulatives and Tools for Teaching Addition<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\">Hands-on tools are especially helpful for students learning addition. Here are some classroom and home favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6de6648ae6cc9d579e8fab898a3e99a3\">10 Frame<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b20a90778d37084c132e937402e2db12\">Number Line<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6fe441d2643fb7b444215ad28c124503\">Rekenrek<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42154cde586e51f39b16b38ba19d58ec\">Double-sided Counters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b04eabe4d368591bc61e45b38d6f1f68\">Flashcards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e20e52efeac389934fc29bdfc887cf69\">Dominoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f9767f263c5c9b4f6efe0084e7516214\">Dice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-406612d281d75e5e47420e82a48a41dc\">Playing Cards\/Uno Cards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8874eedde2ab5536aa7a3689c9fd144f\">Base 10 Blocks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-904d04ac4fc0a83c9bea7da921a372ab\">Math Balance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots aofl-advice-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"games\"><strong>Addition Games and Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\">Make math more fun for kids by playing games or doing physical, hands-on activities. This engages all parts of the brain and helps the learning stick! You can see our full list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/addition-activities-for-early-elementary-students\/28000\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">15 awesome addition activities here<\/a>, or try these activities below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>ABCmouse Educational Math Games<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.49\">Make screen time more meaningful with apps that encourage math and addition skills in kids. ABCmouse offers lots of games perfect for learning addition, in addition to our complete math curriculum. Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/program\/math-learning-program-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">how ABCmouse can help teach math to kids here<\/a>, and try our free-to-play addition games here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/game\/dracos-dash-addition-within-10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f4d4c4ae-5258-48eb-9410-e00122dc24ba_64223-4x.png\" alt=\"Fun dinosaur addition game for kids to play free online from ABCmouse.com.\" class=\"wp-image-53003\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f4d4c4ae-5258-48eb-9410-e00122dc24ba_64223-4x.png 960w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f4d4c4ae-5258-48eb-9410-e00122dc24ba_64223-4x-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f4d4c4ae-5258-48eb-9410-e00122dc24ba_64223-4x-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/game\/dracos-dash-addition-within-10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Draco&#8217;s Dash: Addition within 10<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"813\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f78a8f9e-f4e8-4cc7-b4ea-f24b96592861_24707-4x-1200x813.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-52826\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f78a8f9e-f4e8-4cc7-b4ea-f24b96592861_24707-4x-1200x813.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f78a8f9e-f4e8-4cc7-b4ea-f24b96592861_24707-4x-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f78a8f9e-f4e8-4cc7-b4ea-f24b96592861_24707-4x-768x520.png 768w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f78a8f9e-f4e8-4cc7-b4ea-f24b96592861_24707-4x.png 1250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/game\/nature-walk-addition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Nature Walk Addition<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Building Bricks Addition<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.49\">There are multiple ways to practice addition using building bricks. You can simply pull two handfuls of bricks, count them up, and add them together. Or, pull two bricks and count the number of studs (raised dots) on each. Add those dots together to find the sum. Be sure to write out your equations as you go.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Number Line Jump<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.49\">Write out a life-sized number line on the sidewalk with chalk. Pull a flashcard and have your child stand on the first number of the equation. Then, have them \u201cjump on\u201d as they count up the number line to find the sum of the equation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Interactive Worksheets<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/SEO-380-Addition-Worksheets-for-Kindergarteners.png\" alt=\"Free printable addition worksheets from ABCmouse.com\" class=\"wp-image-8021\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/SEO-380-Addition-Worksheets-for-Kindergarteners.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/SEO-380-Addition-Worksheets-for-Kindergarteners-300x129.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/SEO-380-Addition-Worksheets-for-Kindergarteners-768x330.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.49\">Addition can be a fun and engaging activity when presented as interactive worksheets. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/printables-and-worksheets\/addition-for-kindergarteners\/7114\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">These worksheets from ABCmouse.com<\/a> provide ample practice opportunities and <strong>allow kids to apply what they&#8217;ve learned in different contexts<\/strong>, which enhances their understanding and mastery of addition. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Number War<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.49\">Use only the number cards from a deck (Uno number cards work well for this one too). Each player takes a stack and turns it face down. At the same time, each player flips their top card. The person whose number is bigger keeps both cards. If each player flips the same number, they each flip another card and add them up to find the sum. The bigger sum wins all the cards. (Still a tie? Continue flipping and adding until someone wins!)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>&nbsp;Addition Bingo<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.49\">Use playing boards with numbers in the squares that represent the sums of the flashcards you\u2019ll be using. As you pull each flashcard, write out the equation and ask players to calculate the answer. Then, they place a chip on their board if they have the corresponding number. Play until someone has a row across, down, or diagonally and shouts \u201cBingo!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-list4 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/strong>Look for Addition Stories<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.49\">As you&#8217;re out and about with your child, look for addition equations in the real world. For example, if you see 2 children at the park playing basketball and 2 children playing catch, how many children in all are playing? <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots aofl-advice-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advanced\"><strong>Advanced Addition Skills for Kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns aofl-advice-media-text is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Although curriculum programs vary, children are generally expected to master their basic addition facts by the end of first grade. Children also begin to work on more advanced skills in first grade, such as equations with multiple addends (e.g. \u201c5 + 8 + 9 = 22\u201d) and multi-digit addition (e.g. \u201c42 + 16 = 58\u201d). You can use many of the same strategies shown above for these advanced addition problems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"456\" height=\"264\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-5-1.jpg\" alt=\"A happy child cheering. \" class=\"wp-image-13742\" style=\"border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-5-1.jpg 456w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/subtraction-5-1-300x174.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 456px) 100vw, 456px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\">The most complex skill in basic addition is regrouping in multi-digit addition. This requires understanding other number concepts like place value. Try using base 10 blocks for hands-on demonstrations, and know that this skill is one it takes most children lots of practice to master. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.differentiatedteaching.com\/addition-with-regrouping\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about teaching regrouping here.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots aofl-advice-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading\" id=\"help\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong>&nbsp;How to Help Kids Who Struggle With Addition<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\">For some kids, learning addition comes easily, but others struggle to understand the concept and master their math facts. Some research suggests that these challenges can often be traced back to underlying cognitive aspects, such as working memory and counting knowledge. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0022096504000335?via%3Dihub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Research<\/a> by David C. Geary and colleagues provides insight into this: &#8220;In all grades, the children with mathematical disabilities (MD) showed a working memory deficit, and in first grade, these children used less sophisticated strategies and committed more errors while solving simple and complex addition problems.&#8221; This highlights the need for educators and parents to adopt strategies that address these fundamental cognitive challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:4px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\">Another more straightforward way to help children with math is to work on addition in tandem with subtraction. Doing both at the same time helps to reinforce the relationship between the two and develop flexible thinking as a mathematician. Here are some ways parents can help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Focus on Fundamentals:<\/strong> Ensure your child has strong number sense skills. If they don\u2019t understand concepts like cardinality, 1-to-1 correspondence, counting on, or \u201cless and more,\u201d they won\u2019t be able to build on those skills to master addition. Return to the basics until your child is ready to try again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Use Hands-on Practice:<\/strong> Many children do best when they get to move and handle items physically. Build a collection of manipulatives and math toys that your child enjoys, or check out these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mathlearningcenter.org\/apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">digital resources<\/a>, and use them often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Play Board Games:<\/strong> Many board games naturally involve counting and addition. Pull out old favorites like Monopoly\u00a9, cribbage, and Yahtzee\u00a9 to encourage addition practice that\u2019s fun too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-advice-paragraph has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Try Math Practice Apps:<\/strong> Make screen time more meaningful with apps that encourage math and addition skills in kids. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/abc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">ABCmouse<\/a> offers lots of games perfect for learning addition, along with our complete math curriculum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-add-resources1 has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e4f0ff;padding-top:5px;padding-right:3rem;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:3rem\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ea9a9883 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Additional Resources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">ABCmouse offers engaging programs and games designed by early education experts to help expand your child&#8217;s learning. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-23441af8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background wp-container-content-90d19858\" style=\"border-radius:15px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2d56be\">Important Math Concepts for First Graders<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#404242;font-style:normal;font-weight:200;line-height:1.5\">Learn some key areas to focus on with your child as they explore the world of math as a first grader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#0065e0\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/important-math-concepts-for-first-graders\/3186\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Browse \u2192<\/a><\/em><\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background wp-container-content-90d19858\" style=\"border-radius:15px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2d56be\">Use Cards to Teach Kindergarteners Math<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#404242;font-style:normal;font-weight:200;line-height:1.5\">See how everyday playing cards can be a great resource to help your child practice key math concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#0065e0\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/how-to-use-playing-cards-to-teach-kindergartners-math\/1968\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Browse \u2192<\/a><\/em><\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background wp-container-content-90d19858\" style=\"border-radius:15px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2d56be\">Hands-on Math Activities for Your Second Grader<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#404242;font-style:normal;font-weight:200;line-height:1.5\">Practicing math skills gets even more fun with these engaging math activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#0065e0\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/hands-on-math-activities-for-your-second-grader\/2366\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Browse \u2192<\/a><\/em><\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-trust-element has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#dfe4ff;border-radius:15px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#dfe4ff\">ABCmouse&#8217;s expert advice review process:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:200;line-height:1.5\">Our team of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/abcmouse-curriculum-experts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">ABCmouse Curriculum Experts<\/a>,<\/strong> made up of talented professionals in early childhood education and development, take a close look at educational content and learning claims. They put in the effort to make sure our information is accurate and current. We have a certified educator or another respected authority review the content, matching their expertise with the topic at hand. They&#8217;ll make sure the content is thorough and follows the latest research and educational guidelines. If they think we can make things even better, they&#8217;ll chat with our editorial team, and we&#8217;ll make those improvements right away. Only after a reviewer gives their thumbs-up does a piece of content get the official stamp of approval in the byline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-usercheck fa-solid fa-user-check\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/abcmouse-curriculum-experts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Meet Our Curriculum Experts<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-pen\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/editorial-standards-for-abcmouse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Learn About Our Editorial Standards<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover aofl-printable-bottom-banner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"360\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-4317\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/PrintablesExample3.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/PrintablesExample3.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/PrintablesExample3-300x105.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/PrintablesExample3-768x270.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color\"><strong>Looking for More Printable Activities?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-b5994976 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button printable-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/category-printables-worksheets\"><strong>See All ABCmouse Printables<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Help your child grasp addition with engaging strategies, hands-on tools, and fun activities. Discover tips to make learning math more effective and enjoyable.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":14886,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[124,18,65],"class_list":["post-14851","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice","tag-addition","tag-math","tag-verified-by-owen-bissell"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14851","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14851"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14851\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":77872,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14851\/revisions\/77872"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14886"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14851"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14851"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}