Homework Resources
Mathematics
Addition and Subtraction for Early Childhood - Building number sense through concrete, hands-on experiences.
Important Note
ADDITION and SUBTRACTION – Early Childhood students do not need to master addition and subtraction. If your child is ready to start learning the skills of adding and subtracting then by all means begin. But please read below before you start working on problems. Remember, keep it simple. These are ongoing skills that should be repeated year after year but at a higher level each grade.
Before You Begin
Foundation First
Now we can start to think about basic addition problems. Once your child has a really good idea of numbers and sets, then move to addition. Please do NOT encourage your child to use his/her fingers to add (or calculators). Use objects, to begin with then remove the objects as your child shows understanding of the concept. The same is true with subtraction. Your child will return to addition and subtraction in kindergarten and elementary school. This is a skill that must be reviewed over and over to be mastered fully.
Proper Terminology
When working with simple addition use any objects that you have a quantity of dry beans, pennies, buttons, same shape pasta….. Simply show your child a number card and have your child build that set. Then give another card and build the second set. Now explain to add we say ____ plus____ equals____. Then physically move the two sets of objects together and you fill in the blanks with the numbers. Please if you are going to practice addition, use the correct terminology. PLUS and EQUALS. The same goes for subtraction use the terms MINUS or LESS and EQUALS. Use simple objects and simple problems.
Addition Activities
1. Addition Egg Cups
Use an egg carton to add up to 12. Write a numeral in the bottom of each egg cup. Start on the left with 1 then 2 etc… to 6. Then repeat along the second row of cups 1,2,3….
Either show a number card between 1 – 6 or roll a die from a pair of dice. Your child puts a bean in each cup across the top row to equal the number on the card. Then show another card (or roll die) and repeat.
Then have your child say: "Top row ____ PLUS (bottom row) ____ EQUALS ____ (then dump out the beans and count them) ______."
After a few tries show your child how to write the equation such as 3 + 2 = 5. Then try again and write the resulting equation.
2. Magic Jar Addition
Cut out 10 small pieces of paper. Then write one number 1 – 5 on each paper (making 2 sets of papers). Fold up the papers and drop them into a small jar. Shake the jar.
Have a bowl of dry beans ready. Let your child pull two strips of paper out of the jar and set up the sets based on the number written on the paper.
Then ask, "What does ____ plus ___ equal?" Continue building equations.
When your child is ready, have him/her write the equation after building it with beans.
Subtraction Activities
3. The Food Subtraction Game
Choose your child's favorite snack. Many people use small candies such as M & M candies, goldfish crackers or grapes.
Have your child build a set then tell your child to subtract a number. When subtracting, have your child literally eat that set.
What is left on the plate is the answer. This gets the point across very quickly and it is fun!
Key Reminders
Use concrete objects (beans, buttons, pasta) before moving to abstract numbers
Always use proper mathematical terminology: PLUS, MINUS, EQUALS
Avoid finger counting and calculators at this stage
Keep problems simple and age-appropriate
Remember: mastery comes with repeated practice over multiple years
Materials You'll Need
For Addition Activities:
- Empty egg carton
- Dry beans or small objects
- Number cards (1-6)
- Dice
- Small jar
- Small pieces of paper
For Subtraction Activities:
- Small snacks (M&Ms, goldfish crackers)
- Grapes or other small fruits
- Plate or bowl
- Number cards
Remember: The goal is to build number sense and mathematical thinking, not to rush toward computational fluency. Keep activities fun and pressure-free!