Addition is putting groups together to find how many there are altogether. In Year 1, children add within 20 using objects, counting on and number facts, and meet their first simple adding stories.
What your child will learn
- Add two single-digit numbers, including totals up to 20
- Count on from the larger number instead of counting everything
- Find a missing number in a number sentence such as 4 + ? = 9
- Solve one-step adding stories using objects and pictures
From counting all to counting on
At first, children count every object in both groups. The big step forward is counting on: holding the first number in your head and counting up from it. To find 8 + 3, say "8" and then count "9, 10, 11".
Starting from the larger number is quicker still. 2 + 9 is the same as 9 + 2 — addition can be done in any order.
Missing number problems
Questions like 5 + ? = 8 help children see that addition and subtraction are connected. Asking "How many more do I need?" is a great way to think about them.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. What is 3 + 2?
Show answer
Answer: 5. Start at 3 and count on 2: 3 + 2 = 5.
2. What is 5 + 4?
- 19
- 11
- 9
- 8
Show answer
Answer: 9. Start at 5 and count on 4: 5 + 4 = 9.
3. What is 5 + 4?
Show answer
Answer: 9. Start at 5 and count on 4: 5 + 4 = 9.
Tips for grown-ups
- Use fingers, buttons or pasta pieces to act out sums.
- Practise number bonds to 10 (such as 3 + 7 and 6 + 4) — they make later adding much easier.
- Turn everyday moments into stories: "You have 4 grapes and I give you 3 more…"