Here are four invaluable questions you can ask to continue helping your child with Addition:
4 of the best questions to ask to help your child with addition
Well done for figuring that out,How did you do it?
This is a really good way to help your child learn maths with more understanding.
★ Pass it on ★ There are lots of different ways that they might choose to add for example 4+5
They might start at 4 and count on 5, saying 5,6,7,8,9
Or start at the bigger number 5 and count on 4, saying 6,7,8,9- this requires your child to know that we can add numbers in any order and get the same answer.
They might draw a blank number line.
Find out more about how number lines can help.
If a child remembers doubles e.g. double 4 is 8 AND understands that double 4 is the same as 4+4 they might use what teachers call 'near doubles'- 4+5 is nearly 4+4 or 4+5 is nearly double 4 - it will be one more. Double 4 is 8, 4+5 will be one more than double 4, so 4+5 will be 9.
Or your child may remember a particular number fact.
Do your best to listen and value what your child has to say, as it will go a long way in helping your child with addition and providing them with invaluable support.
Can you think of other sums that you have figured out at the same time?
★ Pass it on ★ Say "Well done for figuring out that four add five equals nine, Does knowing this answer help with any other sums?"
Again there are lots of different answers to this question. It is particularly good to match addition sums to their corresponding subtraction sums. Your child's response will definitely also vary depending on how big the numbers are that they have been working with. Making connections in this way is a great way to make maths seem much easier for your child.
If your child thinks of one answer and then stops, you could then suggest another answer and maybe try to take turns.
They might know that if 4+5=9, then 5+4=9
Or if 4+5=9, 9-4=5 and 9-5=4
If 4+5=9, 4 tens add 5 tens will be nine tens or 40+50=90
Similarly 4 hundreds add 5 hundreds will be nine hundreds or 400+500=900
They might like to do it with millions too!
Can you think of other sums that would have the same answer?
Because this encourages your child to connect one sum to another it is another great way to make maths seem less challenging.
Again having worked with 4+5=9, changing the order gives 5+4=9
Splitting one of the numbers 2+2+5=9
Or unrelated to 4+5 e.g. 19-10=9
Educationalists love open-ended questions
because educational research consistently demonstrates that open questions yield the most exceptional learning outcomes for our children.
The questions suggested here all have lots of answers - They are open-ended questions and they encourage every child to confidently give an answer and share their thoughts. Nothing short of brilliant!
But here's the real bonus: open questions provide opportunities to find out what a child has learned already WITHOUT the need for anxiety inducing tests!
Can you think of a story to go with that sum?
This is a great way to associate maths with something much less scary for your child. You might talk about minibeasts or dinosaurs...whatever interests your child. An example might be : "Toby saw four ladybirds on one sunflower and five ladybirds on another. He saw nine ladybirds altogether. "
It is also important to think about
The best way to respond when your child gives a wrong answer
It's important but difficult to know how to respond when your child gives a wrong answer.
Try your very best to respond in a way that reassures your child that mistakes are not only okay but are, in fact, some of the best opportunities for learning. By fostering an environment where mistakes are embraced as part of the learning process, you not only encourage your child's confidence but also help them develop resilience and a positive attitude toward challenges—great building blocks for their future success.
★ Pass it on ★ Ask "How did you get your answer". As they explain they may come up with a different answer or if not any areas of misunderstanding will become clear.
