This page is part of our series covering the basics of arithmetic, the simplest way of manipulating numbers. We present in the article, some of the most successful strategies to teach basic addition to children in preschool or children with learning disabilities.
When can a child start learning basic addition?
Once a child can count up to ten, they can usually perform additions up to ten. Most children are ready to learn addition by the age of 5. But first, they have to have a good understanding of numbers and counting at least up to 10. When a child is unable to add numbers, we have to go back to the basics and make sure he has a good grasp of numbers.
How to teach addition?
With basic addition being the fundamental building block in math, any tips and tricks that can make understanding it a little bit easier are worthwhile. Here are some strategies to make learning basic addition easier :
1. Start with concrete examples
In learning addition, it’s usually easier to start with concrete examples. Like giving the child three toys and ask him to add 2 more toys and count the total number of toys. Using fingers is also a good strategy when learning how to count and add. Using physical objects will make addition easier to understand. It’s important to use a variety of objects so that your child understands the concept of addition independently from what’s being counted.
When the child understands the concept of addition, then we can move to practice on addition worksheets or flashcards.
2. Use counting to teach addition
When learning addition, it’s easy to teach the child to count and skip count by two’s, five’s, and tens. Not only it’s fun for children, but it is an easy transition from counting that they know well.
3. Start with easy addition
The addition of simple numbers like 0, 1, and 2 is a good start when learning simple addition. At this stage of learning to add single digits together, it can be helpful for a child to know that the numbers before the equals sign can be
swapped around and still make the same answer.
4. Engage the child in hands-on tasks
Engaging the child in activities he can see and touch to explain an abstract concept is a great way to learn faster. For example, we can ask the child to count the crayons her has then add the ones his friend has. This is a great exercise to grasp the concept of addition.
5. Use addition apps, Worksheets and flashcards
Apps and flashcards are a fun way to practice addition while easily captivating the attention of your child. For worksheets, it’s better to start with asking the child to transfer the addition from physical objects to paper by using illustrated sums or having students draw objects they can count. Then you can use more straight forward addition exercises once your child is accustomed to solving addition problems.
Giving children a variety of apps, worksheets and flashcards to practice is a good strategy to test their understanding of addition and to correct any problem with that understanding. Because children have different methods of learning, we should provide them with many opportunities to learn their way. There are many free online worksheets that can be downloaded and printed easily.
6. Addition word problems
Word problems are a great way to test your child’s understanding of addition and to apply what he learned to real problems. Because word problems require children to apply their maths knowledge to a ‘real-life’ scenario, they are a great wat to teach logic and problem solving skills
7. Make it into a game
Whatever strategy you choose to teach simple addition, always make it into a fun game to get the attention of your little learner. Making learning fun should always be a priority for teachers and educators because that’s when kids find it interesting to learn and gain knowledge.