Showing addition in many ways
In kindergarten, children learn to show adding with objects, fingers, drawings, claps, and acting out; to explain it in words; and to write it as an equation like 3 + 2 = 5.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
Try these with your child
These are real questions from our kindergarten 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 3 birds on a branch, and 2 more birds fly to join them. How many birds are there now?
- 5
- 2
- 3
Why this matters
Showing one addition problem in several ways is how your child learns what adding really means. When they can show 3 + 2 with fingers, a drawing, and an equation, the plus sign stands for something instead of being a shape to memorize. In 1st grade, that understanding helps with word problems and adding within 20. And it shows up at home whenever your child explains how they know there are 5 forks on the table.
Your child uses the same objects, drawings, and fingers again in showing subtraction in many ways, which comes next.
Where kids can get stuck
- Copying 3 + 2 = 5 correctly, but not being able to show the same problem with objects or a drawing.
- Holding up fingers for each number but not putting them together, so 4 + 1 is answered as "4 and 1" instead of 5.
- Drawing every part of a picture in careful detail, so 4 cats and 2 more takes so long that the adding gets lost.
How you can help
- Clap a number, pause, and clap a few more, then ask your child how many claps there were in all and to show the same amount on their fingers.
- Draw a quick picture of a small story at the table, such as 2 birds on a fence and 3 more landing, then let your child draw the next story for you to solve.
- Act out an adding story with stuffed animals at bedtime. If 4 bears are in bed and 2 more climb in, ask your child to tell the story back and say it as a number sentence.
The kid-friendly video below explains it in a few minutes, and Bobby's Math Club offers free practice that grows with your child.
Kid-friendly explanation
Questions parents ask
Why is my child showing addition with drawings and claps instead of only numbers?
Each way of showing addition helps your child understand it a little differently. Objects make it concrete, drawings make the groups visible, and claps make it something they can hear. If your child can show 4 + 1 in several ways, the equation 4 + 1 = 5 has real meaning. That understanding makes later math easier.
Should my kindergartner be writing addition equations?
Yes, kindergartners begin to read and write simple equations, such as 2 + 3 = 5. What matters most is that they understand what the equation stands for. If your child can tell a story or draw a picture that matches it, they are on the right track. An equation written without meaning is less useful than an idea shown well.
How is showing addition different from solving word problems?
Showing addition is about the many forms one addition can take, such as objects, fingers, a drawing, words, or an equation. Solving a word problem asks your child to hear a situation and work out the answer. The two support each other. Drawing or acting out a story is often how kindergartners solve it.
Make learning math fun
Bobby's Math Club turns kindergarten math practice into something fun to do together.
- Free, unlimited practice for every child in your family
- Practice that starts where your child is and grows with them
- Level-ups, badges, and a cheer for every win
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.
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Join the clubNote for teachers: This skill is covered by Common Core math standard K.OA.A.1: “Represent addition and subtraction with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds (e.g., claps), acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations.” Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow. (Common Core K.OA.1)