Lesson 89: Adding small numbers

🧮 MATH (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Numbers and Counting

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Objective

I can add two small numbers together. I can use counters, a number line, and simple addition sentences to find the sum.

Materials

Mini-lesson — What does it mean to add?

When you add, you put groups together to find how many there are in all. We use the words add, plus, and sum.

Adding with counters

  • Take 2 red counters and 3 blue counters.
  • Put them together in one group.
  • Count them all: 2 + 3 = 5. The answer, 5, is the sum.

Adding on a number line

  • Start at the first number on the line.
  • Jump to the right for the second number.
  • Where you land is the sum.
  • Example: For 4 + 3, start at 4 and jump 3 steps right → land on 7.

Writing an addition sentence

  • An addition sentence uses + and =.
  • Example: 6 + 2 = 8.
  • We can read it as “six plus two equals eight”.

In this lesson, stay mostly within 20. Use pictures, counters, and number lines to make each addition sentence clear and concrete.

Picture strip: Counters and number line

Counters — 2 + 3

Number line — 4 + 3

Guided Practice — Add with counters and a number line

You will use real counters and a number line to add two small numbers. Then you use the tracing pad to write the most important addition words.

  1. Pick two numbers to add: Choose two numbers from 0–10 (for example 4 and 3).
  2. Build with counters: Take 4 counters, then 3 more. Push them together and count how many you have in all.
  3. Show it on the line: On your number line, start at the first number and jump to the right for the second number.
  4. Write the sum: In your notebook, write the addition sentence (for example, 4 + 3 = 7).
  5. Try a new pair: Pick two new numbers within 10 (for example, 6 and 2) and repeat.
  6. Use the tracing pad: Choose two short words that fit your work (for example, add and sum) and trace them. You can also trace one of your numbers (like 7 or 8).
  7. Add a tiny picture: Next to add, draw two small groups joining. Next to sum, draw a circle around the answer.
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: After you trace your words, write one short sentence, such as "I add to find the sum.", and draw a tiny number line jump to show your answer.

Practice 1 — Add with counters

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 1]

Practice 2 — Add on a number line

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 2]

Practice 3 — Addition sentences

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 3]

Quick Check — Adding small numbers

Answer each question about adding small numbers. You may use counters or a number line to help you.

1) What does it mean to add?

When we add, we join groups to find how many in all.

2) What is 2 + 3?

2 plus 3 makes 5.

3) What is 4 + 1?

One more than 4 is 5.

4) On a number line, when you add you jump:

Adding moves you right to bigger numbers.

5) What is the sum in 3 + 4 = 7?

The sum is the answer, which is 7.

6) What is 5 + 2?

5 plus 2 more is 7.

7) You have 6 blocks and get 3 more. Which sentence shows this?

You are adding 3 more to 6, so 6 + 3 = 9.

8) What is 1 + 9?

One more than 9 is 10.

9) Which sign do we use when we add?

The plus sign (+) means add.

10) What is 7 + 3?

7 plus 3 more makes 10.

11) You start at 4 on a number line and jump 5 steps right. Where do you land?

4 + 5 = 9, so you land on 9.

12) What is 10 + 5?

10 plus 5 more is 15.

13) Which sentence is true?

2 plus 2 equals 4.

14) You have 8 stickers and get 2 more. How many stickers do you have now?

8 + 2 = 10.

15) Why do we use a number line when we add?

Jumps on the number line help us see how we got the answer.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

Next time I will practise…

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