Kindergarten: Addition

Warm up with a quick recall on the board. Start by counting on from the larger number, then move to partitioning into tens and ones and adding each part, and finally column addition with regrouping.

Addition is combining two or more amounts to find a total. It is usually the first operation children meet, starting with counting all, then counting on, then number facts. Model the method clearly, thinking aloud:

• Start concrete: combine real objects and count the total.
• Move to counting on from the larger number rather than counting all.
• Teach number bonds to 10 and 20 so facts become automatic.
• Introduce two-digit addition, then regrouping (carrying) once single-digit facts are fluent.

Do the first few questions of the practice worksheet together, one child explaining each step. Check for understanding before releasing the class to work alone.

Students complete the worksheet independently. Hand out the three difficulty levels below so every child works at the right stretch.

Circulate and look for these, they are the usual sticking points:

• Always counting from one instead of counting on.
• Forgetting to carry into the next column when regrouping.
• Lining up digits incorrectly in column addition.
• Adding the tens and ones columns without carrying the regrouped ten, and always counting on from the first number rather than the larger.

Pull the class back together. Ask one child to explain addition in their own words, pose a single check question everyone answers on a mini whiteboard, and name what you will build on next lesson.

Use the independent worksheet as the evidence. A child who can complete it accurately and explain one answer has met the objective; anyone who cannot needs the easier level and a short reteach next session.