Making addition visible
Before writing a sum, put two groups of counters on the table. Count each group, bring them together and count the total. Link this action to the plus and equals signs on the sheet.
A short session, step by step
Allow the child to count every picture at first. Later, they may start from the larger group and count on. With a ten-frame, the empty spaces show how many more are needed.
Try one example together, then allow an independent attempt. Ask how the child decided rather than judging only the final mark. Stop when attention fades and return to the activity another day.
Ocean additions
Bring two groups of counters together first. Then count all the creatures on a row and read the matching number sentence underneath.
Count the pictures in the first row together.
Find another addition with the same total.
Friends of ten
The frame has two rows of five. Empty spaces show the missing part; fill them with counters to connect the picture to the addition.
Place counters in the empty spaces.
Read each completed addition aloud.
Four little problems
Ask what the question is looking for before calculating. Simple dots can stand for flowers, apples, birds or seeds.
Read the story aloud and use counters.
Explain why each story needs addition or subtraction.
