🔢 Numbers & shapes · Ages 6–7 · about 2 weeks

Two Ways to Solve It

Goal: Solve a small addition or subtraction problem in two ways and explain how both methods can be checked.

For parents: A strategy is a way to work something out. Use small totals so attention can stay on the method. Counting all, counting on and splitting into parts are useful choices. Do not demand the quickest method or mental work without objects.

Do together

  1. Count all, then count on

    You need: Eight large paper squares

    Make groups of five and three and count all eight squares. Put the groups back. This time say five for the first group, then touch the next squares while saying six, seven, eight. Ask what stayed the same and what changed about your method.

  2. Split to make ten

    You need: Twelve large paper squares and paper

    Explore eight plus four. Count all the pieces to find twelve. Then split four into two and two: put two with eight to make ten, and add the remaining two. Draw both arrangements. Help your child explain where every piece went.

  3. Take away and check

    You need: Nine large paper squares

    Start with nine and remove three to find six. Rebuild nine. This time count back three steps, moving one square for each: eight, seven, six. Compare the answers, then put three back with six to check that you return to nine.

Talk about it

  • How did you work it out the first time?
  • What did you change in your second method?
  • How can the objects help us check?

Words to use

  • strategy
  • total
  • count on
  • count back
  • split
  • check

Play

  • Add & Take Away
    Adding & taking away
  • Make the Number
    Number bonds
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