Simple Addition Problems for Beginning Students

How to Practice Simple Math at Home

Make addition fun by using objects like candy or toys to practice addition at home. Often, when children first learn to add, they count to find the answer. As a result, counters can be extremely beneficial for helping them to visualize the concept.

Help your child become familiar with the terms that are often used in word problems. Words like 'total and 'in all' often indicate that addition must be used to solve the problem. You can familiarize your child with these words by using them in daily life. For instance, you can go to the zoo and ask your child, 'How many elephants do you see in all?' Or, when making food at home you can ask, 'What is the total number of eggs I need to add?'

Games can be a fun way to build motivation and increase your child's interest in math. Your child's favorite games can be altered to incorporate an addition review. For instance, try playing bingo. Instead of calling out 'B 3', change it so that you say, 'B 2 + 1'. Alternatively, use a deck of cards to randomly generate addition problems. For example, your child could draw two cards and add the numbers for those cards. This can be a fun and non-stressful way to practice addition with your child.

Sample Questions

Simple Drills

1. 4 + 3

2. 2 + 6

3. 3 + 3

4. 8 + 1

5. 5 + 6

For a challenge, include numbers that go above ten. This way, your child can no longer rely on his or her fingers to find the solution.

Word Problems

When writing word problems, use simple language and short sentences. Remember that many first graders are still learning to read. In addition, the answers should be found in one step.

1. Amy has two apples. Then, she finds two more. How many apples does she have in all?

2. Tom has two dogs and five cats. How many pets does Tom have in all?

3. During Halloween, you collect seven pieces of chocolate and ten pieces of caramel. How much candy do you have in total?

4. Rich has two dogs, Pooch and Fido. Pooch has five spots and Fido has seven spots. What is the total number of spots the dogs have?

5. Kristy ran five blocks one day and then 13 blocks the next day. How many blocks did Kristy run in all?