Adding means putting two groups together and finding how many there are altogether. The quickest way for small numbers is to start at the bigger number and count on. For 6 + 3, hold 6 in your head and count on three more: 7, 8, 9. Because order doesn't change the total, 3 + 6 gives the same answer, so always start from the bigger number to do less counting.
Explore this idea with maths tools
Maths you can move
Build 8 + 2
Tap two gold counters to fill the ten-frame.
8 in the frame + 2 waiting. The total stays the same.
Words to know
- add
- put groups together to find how many altogether
- sum
- the answer to an addition
- count on
- start at a number and say the next numbers
Worked examples
4 + 2
- 1.Start at 4.
- 2.Count on 2: 5, 6.
= 6
6 + 3
- 1.Start at the bigger number, 6.
- 2.Count on 3: 7, 8, 9.
= 9
5 + 5
- 1.Start at 5.
- 2.Count on 5: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
= 10
For parents
Method: Counting on from the larger number.
What to say: Ask: 'Which number is bigger? Start there and count on with your fingers.'
Common mistakes:
- Counting the first number again (6 + 3 → 8).
- Turning the + into a − and finding the difference.