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Student Learning Mathematics

Addition and Subtraction

🌟 Introduction: Why Addition and Subtraction Matter

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Addition and subtraction are two of the most fundamental building blocks in math. Children begin using them as early as kindergarten, and they remain essential through every stage of life, from calculating grocery bills to measuring distances and solving advanced equations later.

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As a parent, you don’t just need to know how to do these operations; you need to understand how to explain them in a way that makes sense to a young learner. This chapter helps you guide your child step by step, using real-life examples and household objects.

Learning to read

🎯 Learning Objectives

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By the end of this chapter, you’ll be able to:

  • Clearly explain the concepts of addition and subtraction using everyday language.

  • Teach different methods (counting on, number line, regrouping).

  • Use household items to demonstrate problems.

  • Help your child check their own work and build confidence.

Red Calculator

🧠 Core Concept: What Are Addition and Subtraction?

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➕ Addition

Addition means putting things together. It’s the math of combining.
For example: If you have 2 apples and your child gives you 3 more, you now have 2 + 3 = 5 apples.

Think of addition as "joining" or "gathering".

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➖ Subtraction

Subtraction means taking something away or finding the difference.
For example: If you start with 5 cookies and eat 2, you’re left with 5 − 2 = 3 cookies.

Think of subtraction as "removing" or "finding what's left."

Artistic plates

🏡 Real-Life Examples 

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Use items that are already around the house:

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For Addition

  • Fruit bowl: Add 2 apples + 3 bananas = total fruits

  • Toy box: 4 blocks + 2 toy cars = how many toys?

  • Dinnertime: 2 plates on the table, add 3 more for guests—how many now?

 

For Subtraction

  • Snack count: Start with 6 cookies, eat 2—how many are left?

  • Grocery items: Put 10 items in the cart, remove 3—what's remaining?

  • Money: Start with $10, spend $4—what’s left?

Father Teaching Child Bicycle

💡 Teaching Tips for Parents

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  • Always start with concrete objects before moving to numbers on paper.

  • For addition, try the “counting on” method: Start from the bigger number and count up.

  • For subtraction, try “counting back” or using visual tools like fingers or number lines.

  • Celebrate small wins—confidence is more important than speed.

  • If your child struggles, break the problem into smaller steps.

Boy Raising Hand

📖 Step-by-Step Examples

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➕ Addition Example:

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Problem: 3 + 4

  1. Start with 3 fingers up

  2. Count 4 more fingers up

  3. Count all fingers: 7

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Problem: 26 + 15

  1. Break into tens and ones:
    26 = 20 + 6
    15 = 10 + 5

  2. Add tens: 20 + 10 = 30

  3. Add ones: 6 + 5 = 11

  4. Total = 30 + 11 = 41

Domino Cookies

📖 Step-by-Step Examples

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➖ Subtraction Example:

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Problem: 9 − 3

  1. Hold up 9 fingers

  2. Put down 3

  3. Count what’s left: 6

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Problem: 52 − 27

  1. Break into place value

  2. Subtract ones: 2 − 7 (can’t do it, borrow from tens)

  3. Borrow 1 from 5 tens (becomes 4 tens = 40), add 10 to ones → 12 − 7 = 5

  4. Subtract tens: 40 − 20 = 20

  5. Total = 25

Math Exercises

📝 Practice Time

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A. Addition (Basic)

  1. 5 + 3 = ___

  2. 9 + 6 = ___

  3. 14 + 7 = ___

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B. Subtraction (Basic)

  1. 8 − 4 = ___

  2. 15 − 9 = ___

  3. 20 − 6 = ___

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C. Mixed Word Problems

  1. You have 12 candies. You give 4 to your friend. How many left?

  2. Mom gives you 5 red marbles and 3 blue ones. How many in total?

  3. You had 30 coins. You spent 10. Then you found 5 more. How many now?

Mother and Child

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent-Child Activity: Build & Solve

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🧱 Toy Tower Game

  • Build a tower with 10 blocks.

  • Ask your child to add 3 more. Then remove 4.

  • Ask: How many blocks now?

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🍽 Dinner Time Math

  • Set 4 spoons on the table. Add 2 more.

  • Later, remove 3. Let your child explain the math in words.

Yellow Pac-Man-shaped object

🔄 Check-In: Mini Quiz

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  1. What is 17 + 6?

  2. Subtract 9 from 23

  3. True or False: Addition always makes numbers smaller.

  4. Fill in the blank: 15 − __ = 9

Start of the school year

✅ Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Addition means putting together, and subtraction means taking away or finding the difference.

  • Use hands-on tools to teach—fingers, toys, food, or coins.

  • Break bigger problems into smaller pieces using place value.

  • Real-world examples make learning stick—and make it fun.

  • Mistakes are part of learning. Always praise the effort.

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 With simple explanations and your support, your child will not only solve problems but understand them too.

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