One more and one less are the very first steps into adding and taking away. Children see a small group change by one and work out the new amount.
What your child will learn
- Find one more than a number up to 10
- Find one less than a number up to 10
- Understand that adding one makes the next number and taking one away makes the number before
The next number is one more
Once children notice that one more always gives the next counting number, they no longer need to count the whole group again. That shortcut is the beginning of counting on.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. There are 4 balloons. One more comes. How many now?
- 5
- 4
- 3
Show answer
Answer: 5. One more than 4 is 5. Count on one: 4, 5.
2. There are 4 apples. One more comes. How many now?
- 6
- 3
- 5
Show answer
Answer: 5. One more than 4 is 5. Count on one: 4, 5.
3. There are 3 balloons. One more comes. How many now?
- 6
- 4
- 5
Show answer
Answer: 4. One more than 3 is 4. Count on one: 3, 4.
Tips for grown-ups
- Play with a small pile of toys: add one, take one away, and ask “How many now?”
- Sing counting songs like “Five Little Ducks” that take one away each verse.