🧮 Addition & Subtraction within 20
First graders learn to add and subtract by taking on tasks involving numbers up to 20. Being able to complete these operations helps when solving problems and supports further learning in math. They can add and subtract with confidence by using different techniques and situations they encounter day to day. Being able to add and subtract within twenty is important for both your daily life and your schooling.
➕ What is Addition?
Addition means putting numbers together to find the total.
👉 Example:
You have 8 apples.
Your friend gives you 5 more apples.
How many apples do you have now?
8 + 5 = 13
🎉 So, you have 13 apples in total!
➖ What is Subtraction?
Subtraction means taking away some numbers to find out what is left.
👉 Example:
You have 15 balloons.
You give 6 balloons to your friend.
How many balloons are left?
15 − 6 = 9
🎈 So, you have 9 balloons now!
🌟 Fun Tricks to Help You!
1️⃣ Use Your Fingers
You can count on your fingers to add or subtract small numbers.
2️⃣ Draw a Picture
Drawing apples, stars, or smiley faces can help you see the numbers.
3️⃣ Use a Number Line
Start at one number and move forward (for addition) or backward (for subtraction).
👉 Example using number line:
Start at 7, move +4 steps → You land on 11.
So, 7 + 4 = 11
🔄 Test your Knowledge
What is the missing number in this family: 5 + 4 = ?
What completes this family: 9 - ? = 6
Choose the correct sum: 6 + 6 = ?
What number completes: ? + 7 = 13
Choose the correct sum: 12 + 6 = ?
Choose the correct sum: 13 - 6 = ?
Word Problems
The children are given addition and subtraction problems related to familiar situations. This encourages kids to use the math they learn to solve problems they face every day. Children who solve word problems are encouraged to read, understand what the problem means, and choose what operation to use. Solving word problems helps in improving your math as well as your language abilities.
Fact Families
They are taught that related addition and subtraction sums only need a few numbers to make sense (5 + 3 = 8, 8 - 3 = 5). It allows children to spot how addition is the opposite of subtraction. This helps train you to do mental math faster. They are useful for introducing kids to inverse operations and number bonds.
📚 Word Problems
Emma has 8 apples. She gives 3 to her friend. How many does she have left?
Tom had 6 cars and got 4 more. How many does he have now?
🎨 Activity Idea: Math Story Time
Let's create a magical math adventure! Read or tell short stories involving characters who use addition and subtraction to solve fun problems—like a dragon who loves gold coins or a chef adding strawberries to a cake!
Then let kids write or draw their **own** word problems using crayons or stickers! 🖍️✂️ Add speech bubbles or glitter to make it sparkle!
Bonus: Turn it into a mini book or comic strip to share with friends or family!
🎉 Entertainment Activities
- Fact Family Triangle Game - Use cards or triangle boards to explore number bonds. You can create your own triangle with paper and write numbers to discover relationships!
- Story Problem Theater - Pretend you're a math actor! Act out little plays with toy props like fruits, blocks, or dolls to tell subtraction and addition stories.
- Online Word Problem Quizzes - Try interactive games or apps that have colorful animations, sounds, and rewards when you get it right!
- Number Scavenger Hunt - Hide numbers around the room. Solve mini math problems to find the next clue. Kids move and count as they play!
🎥 Watch & Learn!
A fun Addition and Subtraction video for kids
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