Saxon Math Kindergarten, Section 3: Addition Concepts & Teen Numbers
In this unit, your child begins adding and explores the teen numbers. Kindergartners join two small groups and tell how many in all, solve short story problems, and learn that numbers like 12 and 16 are a ten and some ones. After comparing groups earlier in the year, joining them is the next step, and the following part of the year brings in subtraction alongside measuring.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 3?
- Joining two groups with objects or fingers and writing the matching equation, such as 2 + 4 = 6. Learn more about showing addition in many ways: Showing addition in many ways · Learn more about showing subtraction in many ways
- Solving short joining stories within 10 by acting them out or drawing them to find how many in all. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 10
- Seeing that teen numbers like 12 and 16 are ten ones and some more ones, and showing them with objects. Learn more: Teen numbers as ten and some more
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
Start at 7 and hop back 2. Where do you land?
- 2
- 9
- 5
How you can help
- Join two groups of toys, such as 3 teddy bears and 4 dolls, and ask your child how many in all and how to write it with a plus sign.
- Tell a short story at bedtime, such as '5 pillows on the bed and 2 more,' and let your child act it out with real pillows.
- Count 10 stairs and then a few more, naming the number as ten and some more, like 10 and 6 make 16.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting both groups but not putting them together, giving two numbers instead of a total.
- Showing 12 as 1 toy and 2 toys, thinking the 1 stands for just one.
- Copying 2 + 4 = 6 correctly but not being able to show the story with objects.
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
- add
- To put groups together to find how many in all.
- plus sign
- The + sign, which means add.
- equal sign
- The = sign, which means is the same amount as.
- equation
- A math sentence with an equal sign, like 3 + 2 = 5.
- in all
- How many there are altogether after groups are put together.
- teen numbers
- The numbers 11 to 19, each made of ten and some more ones.
- ten ones
- Ten single things, which together make one ten.
Want to help your child master adding and teen numbers?
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.
Join the club
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 Saxon Math Kindergarten Section 3 cover?
Saxon Math Kindergarten Section 3 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.