As a teacher, you know that learning to add is one of the most important foundational skills for your students. Whether your students are just starting to learn addition or need a refresher, it’s important to make sure they have a solid grasp of the basics. One of the most effective methods for teaching addition is called “counting on,” which helps students learn to add by starting with a number and counting up to the sum. In this article, we’ll explore some activities you can use to teach students to add by counting on, with a focus on sums up to 20.

1. Count On Dice Game

To get started with counting on, try playing a simple dice game with your students. Give each student a pair of dice and have them roll them. They will then add the two numbers together using the counting on method. For instance, if a student rolls a 4 and a 3, they would start with the number 4 and count up three more times, saying “5, 6, 7.” This gives them the answer of 7. Play several rounds of the game, encouraging students to try to use counting on to add the numbers together. You can also introduce different variations, such as subtracting the smaller number from the larger number, or using three dice.

2. Count On BINGO

Another fun way to practice counting on is to play BINGO with your students. Instead of calling out numbers, you will call out simple addition problems that the students will solve using counting on. For instance, you might say “5 + 3” and the students would start with 5 and count up 3 more times, saying “6, 7, 8.” They would then mark off the corresponding number on their BINGO cards. Play several rounds of the game, gradually increasing the difficulty of the addition problems as your students become more proficient.

3. Count On Flashcards

Flashcards are an effective tool for practicing counting on because they allow students to practice independently or in small groups. Create a set of flashcards with simple addition problems, such as 2 + 1, 3 + 2, and so on. Have students work through the flashcards using the counting on method to find the answers. To make the activity more engaging, you can time your students and challenge them to see how many flashcards they can do in a certain amount of time.

4. Count On Board Game

Create a board game that allows students to practice counting on while also having fun. The game board can be as simple or as complex as you like, with spaces that require students to solve simple addition problems using counting on. For instance, a space might say “Roll again if you can count on from 4 to 7.” If a student lands on this space, they will start with the number 4 and count up to 7, saying “5, 6, 7,” before rolling the dice again. The first player to reach the end of the game board wins.

5. Count On Story Problems

One of the most effective ways to teach counting on is to use story problems that students can relate to. For instance, you might say “Samantha has two apples and her brother gives her three more. How many apples does Samantha have now?” Have the students use counting on to find the answer, starting with the number 2 and counting up three more times, saying “3, 4, 5.” This gives them the answer of 5. Create a set of story problems with increasing difficulty to challenge your students as they become more proficient in counting on.

In conclusion, using counting on to add is an effective way to teach basic addition skills to your students. By incorporating fun and engaging activities that use counting on, you can help your students build a strong foundation in math and set them up for success in the years to come.