Addition and Subtraction in Kindergarten
Addition and Subtraction Goals
Once students have developed a solid understanding number sense, or an understanding of how numbers and counting works, we will begin to learn to add and subtract. There are three main addition and subtraction goals we will work towards in kindergarten.
Once students have developed a solid understanding number sense, or an understanding of how numbers and counting works, we will begin to learn to add and subtract. There are three main addition and subtraction goals we will work towards in kindergarten.
- Represent addition and subtraction in multiple ways. Kindergarteners will learn to represent addition and subtraction by acting out stories, drawing pictures, using their fingers, using objects, and writing equations.
- Find "number pairs" or "number partners." Students will learn to split a number less than ten (like 7) into number pairs (like 5 and 2 or 6 and 1). They will also learn to represent the pairs by drawing a picture or by writing an equation.
- Add and subtract fluently within 5. Students will learn to quickly add and subtract numbers with sums less than five.
Addition and Subtraction at Home
One of the best ways to practice addition and subtraction at home is to make up story problems throughout the day. The following examples are a good starting point.
One of the best ways to practice addition and subtraction at home is to make up story problems throughout the day. The following examples are a good starting point.
- If we put two toys in the toy box and then add three more, how many toys are in the box?
- There are four dirty plates on the table. If we put two in the sink, how many are still left on the table?
- I have one crayon and you have two. How many crayons do we have together?
- We have six markers. Two don't work anymore so we have to throw them away. How many will we have left?
- We have four balloons. Can you split them into number pairs/partners? (1+3, 2+2, 3+1).
- You have seven crayons. Can you find number partners that make the number seven?