🔢 Ready for Class 1 · Numbers & shapes · Ages 6–7 · about 2 weeks Dates: to

Equal on Both Sides

Goal: Explain that equals means the same value, and check both sides of a simple number statement.

For parents: The equals sign means 'has the same value as', not 'write the answer next'. Begin with objects and totals within ten. Once that is comfortable, use totals within twenty.

Do together

  1. Two ways, one total

    You need: Six large spoons, two sheets of paper and a pencil

    Put three spoons on each sheet. Write 3 = 3 between the groups. On one sheet, separate the three into two and one. Explain that 3 = 2 + 1 is still true because both sides show three. Count to check.

  2. Is it equal?

    You need: Paper, a pencil and up to ten large paper squares

    Write 4 + 1 = 3 + 2. Help your child build each side using paper squares and compare the totals. Try 4 + 1 = 3 + 1 and ask what needs to change. Do not use speed as the goal.

  3. Find the missing part

    You need: Paper and a pencil

    Write 6 = 4 + a blank box. Ask how many would make the two sides equal. Let your child draw dots or use fingers. Try a blank on the left, such as a box + 3 = 7, and check the whole statement together.

Talk about it

  • What does the equals sign tell us?
  • How can two different-looking groups have the same value?
  • How could we check the missing number?

Words to use

  • equal
  • value
  • same
  • total
  • part
  • check

Play (optional)

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wasilearn.com/learn/class-1-ready/equal-on-both-sides · free home learning, ages 2–7