I enjoy showing kids the concept behind single digit addition and then once they understand that they can do the worksheets. Playing with objects is so much more fun!
For the activity you will need 2 groups of nine objects, 2 baskets/containers to hold each group, some 3x5 cards, and a marker.
Prepare the 3x5 cards by writing 1-9 on two sets of cards. One card with a plus sign and one with an equal sign.
How to play:
- With two piles of objects outside (but next to) each container a child or two children put how many objects they choose and put them into the container. (My child put all of them. We counted as she put each one in.)
- Put the number card that represents that many objects.
- Move all the objects out and in one big pile together to the right of the equal sign card. The number cards stay in the containers.
- Then count all of those objects with the child(ren) and make a number card that says that number.
- Do it again to see other number combinations.
- The child can also move one group from the basket over past the equal sign and practice counting up as you add the second group.
What fun ways do you instruct single digit addition?
