How to Teach Addition

When teaching addition, use manipulatives to teach the concept. Math manipulatives are physical aids used by learners to that engages the learner in the process of learning through the exploration of mathematical concepts in order solve problems. Blocks, tiles or mini-counting sticks could also be utilized for counting. It will be more productive for students to follow if they are using manipulatives and students will be able to participate in the process of learning by doing. Students will not only learn how to add, but they will understand the concept as well.

Things You'll Need

• 20 small bingo chips
• mini dry erase board
• dry erase marker
• dry erase eraser
• overhead projector

Instructions

How to Teach Addition

1. Take two chips, count them by placing your hand on one chip and saying one, then placing your hand on another chip and saying two. Have students count the two chips with you. Do this on the overhead projector.

2. Write the number two on the overhead projector screen above the two chips.

3. Write the plus sign next to the number two. Tell students that this is the sign that is used to add numbers together and that it is called a plus sign. Explain to them that this sign is also referred to as And.

4. Read what you’ve written on the overhead projector screen so far as: two and. Then read it again as: two plus. Make sure to point to each number and sign as you read it off slowly.

5. Count three more chips putting it directly above where you will be writing the number three on the overhead projector screen. Have students count the three chips with you. Write the number three on the overhead projector screen to the right of the plus sign.

6. Read what you’ve written on the screen so far as: two and three. Then read it again as: two plus three. Make sure to point to each number and sign as you read it off slowly.

7. Write the equal sign to the right of the number three. Tell them it is called the equal sign and that it is read as is or equals.

8. Read what you’ve written on the screen so far as: two and three is. Then read it again as: two plus three is. Make sure to point to each number and sign as you read it off slowly.

9. Say “let’s see how much we have all together.” Have students count the chips on the screen with you: one, two, three, four, five.Write the number five to the right of the equal sign.

10. Write the number five to the right of the equal sign.

Check for Understanding

1. Do another problem with the students following the same procedure.

2. Have them do the next one on their dry erase boards by following you as you do the problem.

3. Give the students a problem to do on their own as you circulate. Have them hold up their boards in the air when they are done so you can see which kids do not get how to do it.

4. Keep giving students problems until you feel they understand the concept.