13 Simple Ways To Practice Addition And Subtraction

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Oct 30, 2025, 12:44 AM

13 simple ways to practice addition and subtraction

In my day, we just memorized math. I don’t know that I ever really truly understood much of what math was nor was I able to compute higher-level skills until I started teaching math and learned how to be flexible with... Flexibility with numbers is a key foundational skill for young learners and those who don’t have it, struggle from early on. When it is hard to figure out what 7 + 4 =, a child will become easily frustrated, leading to the oh so often felt and heard, “I’m just no good at math.” It... <img fetchpriority="high" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-pin-url="https://educationtothecore.com/13-simple-ways-to-practice-addition-and-subtraction/?tp_image_id=65930" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-65930" src="https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PIN-15-220x330.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1" alt="" width="220" height="330" data-pin-title="13 Simple Ways to Practice Addition and Subtraction" data-pin-description="Flexibility with numbers is a key foundational skill for young learners and those who... When it is hard to figure out what 7 + 4 =, a child will become easily frustrated, leading to the oh so often felt and heard, “I’m just no good at math.” There...

So, here are 13 ways to practice simple addition and subtraction that are sure to please." srcset="https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PIN-15-220x330.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 220w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PIN-15-385x578.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 385w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PIN-15-683x1024.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 683w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PIN-15-768x1152.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 768w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PIN-15-1024x1536.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 1024w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PIN-15-373x560.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 373w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PIN-15.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 1200w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PIN-15.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&w=480&ssl=1 480w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PIN-15.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&w=960&ssl=1 960w"... There are a number of ways to accomplish this, but one thing I am passionate about is making sure instruction is developmentally appropriate. Research tells us that learning through play is most appropriate for early childhood students (and that designation goes through age 8 or 9 depending on where you look) and the kids are way more... To develop strategic thinking, use lots of concrete representations to start, then move to the more abstract (for example, start with dot dice and move on to numeral dice). So, here are 13 ways to practice simple addition and subtraction that are sure to please. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-pin-url="https://educationtothecore.com/13-simple-ways-to-practice-addition-and-subtraction/?tp_image_id=65705" data-pin-title="13 Simple Ways to Practice Addition and Subtraction" class="size-medium wp-image-65705 alignleft" src="https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-28-at-12.05.21-AM-330x259.png?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1" alt="" width="330" height="259" srcset="https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-28-at-12.05.21-AM-330x259.png?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 330w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-28-at-12.05.21-AM-385x302.png?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 385w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-28-at-12.05.21-AM-1024x803.png?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 1024w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-28-at-12.05.21-AM-768x602.png?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 768w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-28-at-12.05.21-AM-373x293.png?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 373w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-28-at-12.05.21-AM.png?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 1066w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-28-at-12.05.21-AM.png?strip=all&lossy=1&w=213&ssl=1 213w, https://enhtne6i59t.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-28-at-12.05.21-AM.png?strip=all&lossy=1&w=639&ssl=1...

There are so many different kinds of dice you can get now and if you can’t find the ones you want, there’s DIY wood block dice! Place value blocks, ten frames, dots, numerals of any range with any number of sides, big and wooden dice, colorful dice, foam dice… Just search for dice online – but be prepared to get... Lots of work with making five and ten is required in K/1 and this can easily be done with addition (and frankly, subtraction, too – think fact families) and dice. Tenzi is a great way to have multiple players with a target number in a fast-paced, fun game. 1 + 1 = 2. It’s the basic foundation for every child’s math education and the building block to a whole world of learning.

Addition is usually the first of the four operations that kids tackle, and mastering it is key to success for years to come. Try these fun addition activities in the classroom or at home to help your students become math wizards in no time! Hands-On Addition Activities and GamesOnline Addition Games Lay out flash cards, and then use blocks to create towers that answer the problems. Addition activities like this incorporate visual and hands-on techniques, honoring a variety of learning strategies. This is bound to be a ton of fun!

Kids drop a die through each cup, then add up the numbers that fall through. So simple and so enjoyable. Hands-on addition activities really make learning stick. Learn how to make and use this adorable addition apple tree at the link. Addition and subtraction dice games are a great way to make math practice more engaging for elementary students. They provide a fun and interactive way for students to learn and reinforce addition and subtraction skills.

This article explores 11 different addition and subtraction games with dice that teachers can use with their first- and second-grade students. These games are easy to implement and require minimal materials, making them perfect for classroom use. Dice are classic and versatile tools that have been used for centuries to liven up any game. Not only can they be used for traditional board games, but they are also perfect for practicing math skills. Whether it’s a quick roll of the dice or a strategic play, these games blend the excitement of chance with the mental challenge of math puzzles. In this section, we will explore some simple addition games that can be played with dice, making math practice a fun and engaging experience for your first and second-grade students.

Make that Number is a classic dice game that helps students practice addition. It’s a fun and interactive way to reinforce math skills while challenging students to find different solutions. 9:00 am By Proud to be Primary Leave a Comment If you are looking to enhance your math teaching strategies and lessons focused on addition concepts, here are some exciting ideas and activities to try in your kindergarten, first, and second grade classroom. Consider incorporating the hands-on addition practice activities into independent math tubs, morning workstations, or small group sessions to boost students’ confidence and foster addition fluency. The best way to teach any math concept is through hands-on activities.

We call this kinesthetic learning, and it allows students to manipulate objects they are learning about. Students will retain the information better by writing, moving, and discussing an idea. In this post, you will find a wide range of hands-on activities to teach addition to 10 and 20 in a fun and memorable way. These activities are great for elementary teachers and allow kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students to learn in engaging ways that excite them. Picture this: Matt was in a kindergarten classroom with tons of worksheets and plain materials that didn’t interest him. He learned the basics but can’t apply his knowledge to new concepts without additional help.

In order to manage money, kids first need to know how to add and subtract. Help kids learn these skills with these fourteen fun addition and subtraction games and activities. Before they can begin managing money, kids need to learn basic addition and subtraction. Sure, these skills could be acquired through worksheets and flashcards, but why not make math fun? There are numerous games and activities you can do with your kids to either get them started with addition and subtraction or secretly drill math facts. Here are fourteen fun addition and subtraction games you can play with your kids.

Click on the blog names to find out more about each activity. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Multiplication Games | Addition Games| Subtraction Games | Telling Time Games | Fraction Games | Kids can use toys, bottle caps, or paper cutouts to practice addition and subtraction. Counting on fingers is a natural way to begin, but if your child struggles with the concept, try counting items on a graph paper. Also, draw objects or illustrate sums on the wall to promote association with numbers.

Create a graphic organizer with a space for a drawing under each number. For a more hands-on activity, purchase some sticker dots from the dollar store. Toy cars are also a great option. Let your child help you make up the rules. Another fun activity is to use pipe cleaners to solve equations. A tray of five small items can be used for this activity.

They can be buttons, counters, pebbles, and so on. Your child can count them and see which one has the highest number of items. Using a sectioned plate will help your child develop their math skills by practicing equations. Place the plates on the floor and ask your child to add up the items found in each section. Once they've completed the sums, check the balance. You can also use board games to reinforce addition and subtraction skills.

Math4Children has a lot of math board games that you can use under the game menu. You can also use flashcard-based games for practice. Flashcards that use pictures to illustrate problems can be a great tool to practice addition and subtraction at home. Flash out the cards and see if your kids can find the answer really fast. The faster they get, the more they are grasping the skills. Practice addition and subtraction in fun and engaging ways to help your students build their skills.

Worksheets are necessary sometimes, but there are a variety of other ways children can work on addition and subtraction. Playing games with cards or with dice is an exciting way that adds variety each time a game is played. Students also learn more when they move, and you can use a worksheet and allow your students to move. You can use a spinning wheel with numbers to add and subtract. Bingo is also a favorite with students, and it can be used to practice addition and subtraction without relying on a worksheet. Have you ever considered using a classroom transformation to have your students practice addition and subtraction?

It is a fun and engaging way to use the strategies you are working on in your class. This math activity will be loved by your students and you! This FREE Zoo Classroom Transformation can be used during a one day math activity or can be used as a game throughout the week during your math centers. It is an engaging activity that is simple to prep so your students can practice addition and subtraction within 20. Type your name and email in the boxes, and I will send it to your inbox. Dice games are a fantastic way to practice addition and subtraction in an interactive manner because they can be so simple.

The best part is that they are also so versatile and can be adapted to your needs. If you want to practice one digit addition, roll them together and then add them. Practice one digit subtraction by rolling them together and subtracting the smaller number from the larger number. When you are working on two digit addition, you can roll both dice together to form a two digit number. Write the number down on a whiteboard or piece of paper. Then roll the two dice again to form a second addend.

Add both numbers together. If you want to practice three digit addition or subtraction, then use three dice. This game can be played individually or with a partner. If the game is played individually, then the student rolls the dice to get each number. Students can play it with a partner by taking turns rolling the dice. If you are working on addition, make it addition problems, or if you are working on subtraction, make it subtraction problems.

13 Simple Ways To Practice Addition And Subtraction

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