Useful resource
Paperback activity guide
Use the Skillr Education paperback copy for ready-made practice sequences and printable ideas.
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Year 1 addition and subtraction can feel tricky because children need to move from counting every object to using known facts and mental strategies. The key is to keep the learning hands-on and short.
Start with real objects such as toy animals, counters or blocks. Ask students to make 10, then add or take away a few more. This helps them see quantity before they move to written sums.
Once children are confident with concrete materials, move to drawings and number lines. A number line is especially useful for showing that subtraction means jumping backwards and addition means jumping forwards.
Finally, introduce simple word problems so children connect the maths to real life. For example, “You had 8 stickers and got 3 more. How many now?”
Useful resource
Use the Skillr Education paperback copy for ready-made practice sequences and printable ideas.
View paperback copy