MR. AUBE AND FRIENDS · MATH TOGETHER

Count on from a number

Keep a known amount in mind and count on to add a few more. Try a little together and stop whenever you need.

Get ready

Eight counters or blocks and a small cloth.

Count five counters together. Cover those five with a cloth. Put three more beside it.
Say: “We know there are five under here. Start at five. Add one: six. One more: seven. One more: eight.” Touch each new counter once.
Uncover the five and check all eight together. Write 5 + 3 = 8 beside the counters.

“We know there are five here. Can we start at five and count three more?”

Keep every counter visible. Start with 3 + 1. Count all to check, then try starting at three.

At tidy-up time, count five blocks into a box. Add three more together. Ask how many are inside, then tip them out to check.

Compare 3 + 8 and 8 + 3 with counters. Does the total change? Which starting number makes counting easier?

Let your child show, draw or tell you how they worked it out. One answer is a starting point for a conversation.

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