K.OA.5: Fluency Within 5

1. Five Frames

Use a 1×5 grid to visualize numbers within 5. This helps children see patterns and relationships between numbers.

2. Number Bonds

Create number bonds showing how numbers within 5 can be broken apart and put together in different ways.

3. Number Line

Use a number line from 0 to 5 to show addition (moving right) and subtraction (moving left).

4. Fingers

Use fingers to represent numbers and operations within 5. This is a built-in tool that children always have available.

1. Math Throughout the Day

Incorporate simple addition and subtraction into daily activities. "You have 3 crackers. If I give you 2 more, how many will you have?" or "You have 5 toys. If you put 2 away, how many are left?"

2. Number Cube Games

Play simple board games using a number cube (1-3). Move forward (addition) or backward (subtraction) based on the roll.

3. Five Frame Fill

Draw a five frame on paper. Roll a die (1-3) and place that many counters in the frame. Ask how many more are needed to make 5.

4. Math Songs and Rhymes

Sing songs or recite rhymes that incorporate addition and subtraction within 5.

5. Math Apps and Games

Use simple math apps or online games that focus on addition and subtraction within 5. Limit screen time to short, focused sessions.

1. Start with Manipulatives

If your child struggles with mental math, start with objects they can see and touch.

2. Use Consistent Language

Use clear, consistent language for addition (add, plus, combine) and subtraction (subtract, minus, take away).

3. Practice Daily

Spend a few minutes each day practicing addition and subtraction within 5 until it becomes automatic.

4. Focus on Relationships

Help your child see relationships between facts. For example, if they know 2+2=4, then 4-2=2.

5. Make it Visual

Create visual references (like a small addition/subtraction chart) that your child can use until facts become memorized.

Activity 1: Flash Cards

Create simple flash cards for addition and subtraction facts within 5. Practice a few cards each day.

Activity 2: Dice Addition

Use a die with 1-3 dots (or cover the higher numbers on a regular die). Roll twice and add the numbers.

Activity 3: Fact Families

Practice related facts together. For example: 2+3=5, 3+2=5, 5-3=2, 5-2=3.

Activity 4: Missing Number

Say an addition or subtraction problem with a missing number: "3 plus what equals 5?" or "5 minus what equals 2?"

By the middle of the year, your child should:

• Add and subtract within 3 with ease
• Begin to memorize some addition and subtraction facts within 5
• Use strategies like counting on or counting back for facts they haven't memorized

By the end of the year, your child should:

• Add and subtract within 5 fluently (quickly and accurately)
• Recall most addition and subtraction facts within 5 from memory
• Apply their knowledge of facts within 5 to solve simple word problems
• Begin to develop strategies for addition and subtraction beyond 5

Simple Assessment:

Ask your child to solve addition and subtraction problems within 5 without using objects or fingers.
Time how quickly your child can answer a set of 5-10 simple addition and subtraction facts within 5.
Give your child a "fact family" (like 2, 3, and 5) and ask them to tell you all four related addition and subtraction facts.