Learning Outcome

Performs addition of single-digit numbers fluently using flexible strategies and makes small groups of objects and counts the total number of objects in the groups.

Objective

Children will be able to add one-digit numbers using objects.

Prerequisites

• Children can identify the numbers up to ‘10.’
• The teacher can have a simple check for understanding at the beginning of the lesson by asking the children to say the numbers while looking at the flashcards.

Introduction: Addition

The teacher could begin by reviewing numbers 0 to 9 with the class. Using flashcards, ask the children to identify each number.

The teacher demonstrates addition in different ways in the class.

1. Starting with a Real-Life Scenario
   • Begin by telling a simple story, e.g., “I have 2 apples, and my friend gives me 3 more. How many apples do I have now?”
   • Encourage children to think and answer.
   • Use real objects like fruits, pencils, toys, or anything available in the class.
2. Using Hands-On Manipulatives
   • Give children counters, blocks, or beads.
   • Ask them to physically add objects together and count the total.
   • Example: Place 4 red blocks and then add 2 blue blocks to show 4 + 2 =
3. Introducing Addition as “Putting Together”
   • Show two small groups of objects and combine them.
   • Say, “We are putting two groups together to find how many in total!”
   • Use visuals or drawings on the board to reinforce
4. Using a Number Line
   • Draw a number line on the board and show jumping forward to add numbers.
   • Example: Start at 3, jump 2 steps forward, and land on 5 (3 + 2 = 5).
5. Introduce the signs of addition (‘+’) and equal to (‘=’).
6. Sing the song – Add it up! Encourage the children to clap or move to the rhythm.

Refer to ‘Number sense’ Adaptations and Strategies given in the Main page of ‘Addition 0 to 9’ if there are any neuro-diverse children in the class.

Song: Add It Up!

When we add some numbers, here’s what we do,
We put them together; it’s easy and true!
Add a little more, see what we get.
The sum is the answer; it’s time to be set!

Chorus:
Put them together, what do we find?
In all, it’s one of a kind!
Add up the numbers; it’s really quite fun,
Adding them together, we see what’s the sum!

Video: Introduction to one digit addition

ISL Video: Introduction to one digit addition

Audio: Song – Add it up!

Song Script: Song – Add it up!

Refer to ‘Receptive and expressive language skills’ Adaptations and Strategies given in the Main page of ‘Addition 0 to 9’ if there are any neuro-diverse children in the class.

LTM Video: Tactile flashcards (Numbers)

Flashcards: Numbers 0 to 10

Activity 1: Let’s put them together

Objective: To count and add the numbers using blocks/marbles.

Importance of the activity for children:

Helps in developing:

1. Fine motor skills (Holding the marble/blocks, Hand-eye coordination)
2. Gross motor skills (Bend, pick and reach the felt board)
3. Cognitive skills (Problem Solving-Using the object provided, Concentration)
4. Social skills (Cooperation, waiting for the turn, active listening)
5. Vocabulary skills (Concepts like ‘Add,’ ‘plus,’ ‘equal to)
6. Emotional skills (Sense of achievement on completion builds self-esteem)

Resources required:

1. Marbles (10 for each child)
2. Cups to place the marbles (3 for each child)
3. Worksheet that has the numbers. The number of worksheets depends on the number of children
4. Sticky cards with numbers, ‘+ ‘,’ = ‘sign
5. Felt board/chart paper

Setting for the activity:
The activity can be done indoors.

Type of activity: Individual activity

Preparation of activity:
The teacher provides the object, worksheets, and flashcards.

Role of the teacher: Demonstrator and facilitator.

Procedure:
Using a simple example, introduce the concept of addition. 
First, the teacher should demonstrate the activity.

1. Take two marbles and place them in a cup.
2. Stick the card with number 2 on the felt board.
3. Take two more marbles and place them in another cup.
4. Stick the ‘+’ symbol card and the card with number 2 on the felt board
5. Put together all the marbles from the two cups and place them in the third cup.
6. Now count aloud the number of marbles in the third cup.
7. Stick the’=’ symbol card and the card with the number 4 on the felt board.
8. The children could be asked to pick up the corresponding flash card for that sum.
9. Repeat the activity, allowing the children to do the above steps.
10. The teacher could say the number of marbles to be placed in each cup.
11. The teacher should call out zero to be added to a number and a number to be added to zero.

Note to the teacher: The teacher could do more revision by using any available material. 

Observations:
The children are made to observe the result of the activity as follows:

1. When ‘0’ is added to a number, the number does not change.
2. Likewise, if a number is added to ‘0,’ the number will be the same, and the number will not change.
3. The number increases while adding two numbers.

Teacher’s observations:

1. Can the child correctly add two sets of marbles and find the total?
2. Is the child able to match quantities with the correct number flashcard?

Suggested Variations in the activity:

1. The teacher can make this a group activity.
2. The difficulty level can be increased by adding more objects.

Conclusion:
Children would learn to count and add the number of objects provided according to the instruction.

Refer to ‘Fine motor skills’ Adaptations and Strategies given in the Main page of ‘Addition 0 to 9’ if there are any neuro-diverse children in the class.

Video: Let’s put them together

ISL Video: Let’s put them together

Activity 2: Add a Block and Build a Tower

Objective: 
To help children understand addition using visual and hands-on learning.

Importance of the activity for children:

Helps in developing:

1. Cognitive skills (Concentration, problem solving, memory and association)
2. Numerical skills (Number recognition)
3. Gross motor skills (Picking the blocks, arranging the blocks)
4. Fine motor skills (Hand-eye coordination)
5. Problem-solving skills (Associating number of blocks used with the addition concept)
6. Emotional skills (Builds confidence in numerical abilities, sense of achievement on completion builds self-esteem, pride in learning new skills)
7. Social skills (Listening, patience)

Resources required:

1. Building blocks (LEGO, cubes, or any stackable objects)
2. Number cards (0-9)

Setting for the activity: 
The activity can be done indoors or outdoors depending on space availability.

Type of activity: Individual or small group activity

Preparation of activity:

• The teacher prepares a set of number cards (0-9).
• Provide each child with a set of building blocks.

Role of the teacher:

• Demonstrator and facilitator.
• Encourages children to count aloud as they build.
• Ensures children correctly identify and add numbers.

Procedure:

1.  Each child draws two number cards (e.g., 3 and 4).
2. They build a tower using that many blocks (3 blocks + 4 blocks).
3. The child counts the total blocks and says the addition sentence aloud (e.g., “3 + 4 = 7”).
4. The teacher checks and encourages children to write the addition statement in their notebooks.
5. Repeat the activity with different number combinations.

Observation:

• Children visually see how numbers add up.
• Children improve their ability to recognize addition as putting together.
• The teacher observes the children while they do the activity and assists them if required.

Conclusion:
The children will develop a clear understanding of addition (0-9) through hands-on exploration and interactive learning.

Video: Add a block and build a tower

ISL Video: Add a block and build a tower

Assessment

The teacher can give the practice worksheet to the children, which can be followed by an assessment worksheet.

Practice Worksheet: Add the objects

Practice Worksheet: Add the objects (Enlarged)

Assessment Worksheet: Find the sum using objects

Assessment Worksheet: Find the sum using objects (Enlarged)

Check list for teachers:

Activity	Yes	No	Sometimes
Children can:
Identify numbers
Add two single digit numbers
Add objects from two groups
Complete the activity in the given time
Do the activity independently
Express verbally and through actions, expressions or gestures

Home Activity

Objective:
To reinforce the concept of ‘addition’ through an online fun activity.

Fun Activity: Word Wall – Add them – Coming soon

Cross-Curricular Connection:

• In Art class:
  • Instruct the children to choose any two numbers from 0 to 9. 
  • Ask them to draw that many objects for each number with coloured crayons.
  • Let them do the addition by counting the objects drawn for both numbers. 
  • Encourage creativity and emphasize the idea of combining groups of objects.
• In physical education class:
  • Let the children play hopscotch using the addition.
  • Give the addition sum. The children have to hop that many squares.
  • Observing children can say the jumps and total loudly [e.g., 3+4 = 7]

Teacher Resource Document – Coming soon

Source and Attribution of images: All images used in the above Assets and Aids are originally created.

This digital material has been developed by the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Inclusive Education Project, a unit of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, as a collaborative offering in the service of our nation.