Every child learns at a different pace, and has her own unique way of learning. Addition and subtraction are the fundamental building blocks for learning math, how to count money and problem-solving. A great emphasis is placed on your child's mathematics skills in school. Math usually becomes more focused and intense during first grade. According to Scholastic website, more than half of your child's first grade school year will be spent on learning addition and subtraction. You don't have to wait until your child reaches the first grade to begin teaching her math, it can begin at-home around the age of 3. PBS Parents note that at this age some children will be learning to add and subtract.
Step 1
Pick up objects and ask your child to tell you how many you're holding. Start by holding a small amount of objects, such as two or three. You can use pennies or marbles. Encourage your child to count the objects mentally.
Step 2
Instruct your child to count forward for addition, and backward for subtraction. For example, if you wanted your child to add 2 plus 2, you would teach him to count: 3, 4. To subtract 4 minus two, you would teach him to count: 3, 2.
Step 3
Instruct your child to make tally marks on a sheet of paper to add and subtract. Tally marks should be made by making four marks, and then a fifth mark that will cross the first four diagonally.
Step 4
Teach her to memorize the sum and difference of doubles up to 20. Start with 1 plus 1, 2 plus 2 and so on. Next teach 1 minus 1, 2 minus 2 and so on. Once she has memorized these doubles, it will be easy for her to add numbers such as 4 plus 5, because she will know that she only needs to add 1 to 8, giving her a total of 9.
Step 5
Play counting games with objects. Get five teddy bears and begin by telling a story about the bears. Tell him that the bears are playing together. Ask him if two of the bears had to go home early, how many bears would be left playing. Playing a game will make learning how to add and subtract more interesting and fun.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid teaching your child to count on his fingers, as this may be a hard habit to break in the future. Teach him how to count by 2s, 5s and 10s, going up to 100.
