Single Digit Addition made easy!

To make the move into single digit addition your child should be familiar with single digit addition using the grouping method and the number line.  Both can be found starting here.

You are going to continue using the number line at this stage to reinforce your child's addition math facts.

Before presenting this information, ensure your child is comfortable counting and fully comprehending all numbers from zero to twenty.

what you will need.

  1. The Blank number line page here.
  2. A sheet of Single Digit Addition Algorithms available here.
  3. Markers or counters such as buttons, dried beans or small lego pieces.

Getting Started

Before you start, bring your child's attention to the arrows on the number line. These arrows indicate that the line continues forever in both directions.  This is because our numberline in infinate.  Spend time explaining this to them - don't rush it.  Ask them questions to establish their understanding of the number line and its ability to move in different directions.

Once you are satisfied with their answers, start working on the task at hand!

Using the sheet of addition problems  let's use the example 8 + 5.  

Take the blank number line and count out 8 counters.  Group them to the left of the number line and write the number 8 on the first available number space.  Then count out five counters.  Place them in the next available number spaces.

Speaking out loud say "8" then pointing to each of the next five counters - "9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Eight plus five equalls thirteen." And using a blank piece of paper, write out the full statement as 8 + 5 = 13.

Continue this exercise over and over for all the questions on your algorithm sheet.  And when they are done, do them again!

What do you do about Short Cuts?

When my son discovered the short cut of omitting step one, and (as in this example) just writing 8 and then putting the five counters down, I celebrated!

When he discovered that if he wrote the numbers 1 to 9 on the number line, and hence started to omit step two of putting the counters down, I celebrated even more!

The fact is your child will only discover the short cuts due to a good understanding of the task at hand.  But whatever you do, never, never show them a short cut.  This will only undermine the very foundation of basic math you are helping them to build!

When he discovered he could do it all from memory, well it was time to pat myself on the back for a job well done, as he now knew his single digit addition facts!

Before heading on to double digit addition, and number placement, it is a good idea for all students to continue practicing basic single digit addition for some time.  Have them complete a blank addition square to further reinforce their new skills.  Here is a completed addition square that your child can put in a folder for all their math facts, to keep them organized in one place.

What should come next?

Well practice makes perfect, so practice, practice and more practice!

Find Free Worksheets in our ever growing Free Printable Math Worksheet Library.

To see all the other areas of basic math your K6 Student will need to master, take time to explore Printable Math Worksheets.


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