enVision Mathematics Kindergarten, Topic 8: More Addition and Subtraction
In this unit, adding and taking away come together. Kindergartners break numbers into two parts in different ways, find the partner that makes 10, and get quicker with adding and subtracting facts within 5. Knowing that 7 can be 5 and 2 or 4 and 3 builds on the subtraction unit with flexible thinking, which helps as counting stretches up to 20 next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 8?
- Breaking numbers up to 10 into two parts in different ways, and recording them as equations like 7 = 4 + 3. Learn more: Splitting numbers up to 10 into two parts
- Finding the partner that makes 10 for any number from 1 to 9, often by filling the empty boxes on a ten-frame, a grid of 10 boxes. Learn more: Finding the number that makes 10
- Recalling adding and subtracting facts within 5, such as 2 + 2 = 4 and 5 - 3 = 2, quickly and correctly. Learn more about adding fluently within 5: Adding fluently within 5 · Learn more about subtracting fluently within 5
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
There are 5 ladybugs in total. Some are on a leaf and the rest are on a flower. If 2 ladybugs are on the leaf, how many ladybugs are on the flower?
- 2
- 3
- 4
How you can help
- Hide some of 7 spoons under a towel and show the rest, then ask your child how many are hiding, trying a different split each time.
- Hold up fingers for a number from 1 to 9 and ask your child how many more make 10, using both hands to check.
- Ask an adding or subtracting fact within 5 on each step as you climb the stairs together, such as '3 plus 2' or '4 take away 1.'
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking 6 = 4 + 2 is wrong because they expect the answer to come after the equal sign.
- Saying 8 needs 3 more to make 10, guessing instead of counting or checking with fingers.
- Mixing up related facts, saying 4 - 1 = 5 because they remember that 4 and 1 go with 5.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- part
- One of the smaller amounts a number can be broken into.
- whole
- The full amount that the parts make together.
- number partners
- Two numbers that go together to make a number, like 3 and 2 for 5.
- make ten
- Finding the number that goes with another to make 10, like 7 and 3.
- ten-frame
- A grid of 10 boxes, in two rows of 5, used to show numbers.
- fact
- A small adding or subtracting problem kids learn to just know, like 2 + 2 = 4.
- equal sign
- The = sign, which means is the same amount as.
Want to help your child master number partners and facts?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Kindergarten Topic 8 cover?
enVision Mathematics Kindergarten Topic 8 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.