Addition is one of the four basic operations in mathematics. When two (or more) numbers are added together, the result is the total (or sum) of those numbers.
Counting is a type of addition, as you count up you add one more each time.
Teach your children about addition using our handy topic guide!
Teaching Ideas
- Use this challenging activity to extend older children’s thinking about addition.
- Reinforce number bonds to 10 using playing cards, with this game.
- Download some addition word problems, for children adding three and four-digit numbers.
- These addition trails are fun puzzles that use addition and reasoning skills.
- Children need to use their two-digit number addition skills to win this 100 square race.
Resources
- Our huge Addition Pack is full of resources to help children master addition.
- Use our addition banner on your maths display or working wall.
- This interactive number square from Top Marks can be used as a whole class teaching resource.
- These interactive ten frames are a great way to demonstrate addition.
Addition Facts
- The plus sign (+) has been used since the 14th century.
- If you add two odd numbers together, you always get an even number.
- The sum of any two numbers is always the same. For example. 2 + 3 will always equal 5.
- Before the + sign was used, people used to write out their addition calculations in words.
- Humans have used addition for at least 6,000 years.
Videos
Addition: 1 + 6
Rodd practises adding one and six together.
Running time: 6:44
Adding and subtracting using mental methods
A great video for children learning to use mental addition and subtraction methods for four and five digit numbers.
Running time: 5:19
How to add 3 digit number using column addition
A great explainer video, showing how to complete column addition calculations.
Running time: 3:37
ADD ‘EM UP!
A catchy song to help children add 1.
Running time: 3:19
Books
One Hundred Hungry Ants
Explore some different ways to make 100 in this charming book.
Ten Flashing Fireflies
This story reinforces number bonds to ten.
12 Ways to Get to 11
A lovely book that shows 12 ways to get to 11!
Links
- This Topmarks game is perfect for helping younger children recall number bonds to 20.
- SplashLearn has addition games for primary children of all ages on this page.
- Try some of these great games using addition.
- This scales game from ICTgames is a great way to stimulate discussion about calculations, including addition.
- This marble addition game is perfect for younger children.
- This game is great for adding two-digit numbers.
Are you teaching your children about other topics? Explore our full collection of guides!
