K.OA.1: Addition and Subtraction Concepts

1. Counters or Objects

Use small objects like blocks, buttons, or toys to physically show adding to or taking away from a group.

2. Number Line

Draw a number line and show how to jump forward (for addition) or backward (for subtraction).

3. Ten Frames

Use ten frames to show how numbers can be combined or separated. This helps children visualize the operations.

4. Part-Part-Whole Mats

Create a simple diagram with a large circle (the whole) and two smaller circles (the parts). Use counters to show how parts combine to make a whole or how a whole can be broken into parts.

1. Snack Math

Use snacks like crackers or fruit pieces for addition and subtraction practice. "You have 3 grapes. I'll give you 2 more. How many do you have now?" Or "You have 7 crackers. If you eat 3, how many will be left?"

2. Toy Box Math

When cleaning up toys, practice addition and subtraction. "You put 4 blocks in the box, and then 3 more. How many blocks are in the box now?"

3. Number Stories

Create simple addition and subtraction stories using your child's interests. "There were 5 dinosaurs. 2 more joined them. How many dinosaurs are there now?"

4. Board Games

Play board games that involve adding or subtracting spaces, like Chutes and Ladders.

5. Addition and Subtraction Books

Read books that focus on adding and taking away. Ask questions about what's happening in the story.

1. Use Concrete Objects

If your child struggles with abstract concepts, always start with physical objects they can manipulate.

2. Connect to Stories

Frame addition and subtraction as simple stories: "You had 3 cookies, and I gave you 2 more. How many do you have now?"

3. Start Small

Begin with small numbers (within 5) before moving to larger numbers (within 10).

4. Use Visual Supports

Draw pictures to represent problems. This helps children see what's happening in the problem.

5. Focus on Vocabulary

Use consistent language: "add," "plus," "combine," "subtract," "take away," "remove," etc.

Activity 1: Add or Subtract with Objects

Use small toys or counters. Say: "Show me 4 blocks. Now add 2 more. How many do you have?" Or "Show me 7 blocks. Take away 3. How many are left?"

Activity 2: Finger Math

Use fingers to show addition and subtraction. "Show me 5 fingers. Now show 2 more. How many fingers are you showing?"

Activity 3: Draw and Solve

Give your child simple word problems and have them draw pictures to solve them.

Activity 4: Missing Part

Show a certain number of objects, then hide some under a cup. "I have 6 counters. I'm hiding some. You can see 4. How many am I hiding?"

By the middle of the year, your child should:

• Understand the concepts of adding to and taking from
• Represent addition and subtraction with objects, fingers, or drawings
• Solve simple addition and subtraction problems within 5

By the end of the year, your child should:

• Solve addition and subtraction word problems within 10
• Decompose numbers less than or equal to 10 in more than one way
• Find the number that makes 10 when added to a given number
• Fluently add and subtract within 5

Simple Assessment:

Give your child simple addition and subtraction problems within 10. Provide objects to use if needed.
Ask your child to show you different ways to make a number (e.g., "Show me different ways to make 7").
Present simple word problems and observe how your child solves them.