Addition with small number rods

Age

3-6

Materials

1. Two sets of Small Number Rods.
2. Plain squared paper and pencil.
3. Addition Sign Cards (optional).

Presentation

Presentation 1:

• The Directress invites the child to build two stairs with the number rods.
• The rods on the left act as control of error and the rods on the right are used for addition purpose.
• So, the Directress takes a rod from the left, counts them, for e.g. a rod 7.
• Then she invites the child to choose a rod that is shorter than 7.
• The Directress directs the child to choose from the right set of rods.
• The child chooses a rod, for e.g. a 5 rod.
• Then the Directress places the 5 rod just below the 7 rod, and then says, "how many more to make 7?"
• The child then counts out the number rod to make 7 based on the 7 rod which acts as control of error and would probably answer "2".
• Then the child takes a 2 rod and places it besides the 5 rod below the 7 rod and would find them at equal length.
• Directress then explains, "5 plus 2 makes 7" and then shows the child how to write "5 2=7" on plain square paper.
• The Directress can continue the presentation by showing a few more examples.

Control Of Error

The Rods themselves act as a Control of Error because the quantities are fixed.

Points Of Interest

As a preparation to learn Number Bonds, when doing the above exercise, we could always exchange places between the 2 addition rods and reinforce that, for e.g. 5 2=7 and 2 5=7 as well.

Exercises should not be called 'sums' as in correct mathematical language the 'sum' is the answer to an addition question. We use 'exercise or 'example' instead.

Purpose

• Introduce the child to addition with numbers 1 to 10.
• Show the child how to record additions up to 10.
• Provide controlled exercises for teaching number bonds.