Reading +, −, and = symbols
Read, write, and interpret the symbols +, −, and = in number sentences
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Plus means put together. Minus means take away. Equals means both sides are the same amount—not a button that means “write the answer.””
Bring to the table
- Paper and marker
- 8 large counters or blocks
- Ready cards: 3 + 2 = 5, 5 − 2 = 3, 4 + 3 = 7
Extra for the adult
Worked example. 4 + 3 = 7 read aloud as “four plus three equals seven.” The equals sign says both sides name the same amount.
Optional challenge. Read 6 = 4 + 2 and explain why it is still true even though the total is written first.
What to notice. Save a photo of one built sentence with counters or a parent note quoting how your child explained equals.
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Plus means put together. Minus means take away. Equals means both sides are the same amount—not a button that means “write the answer.”
Spend about 10 minutes reading three ready number sentences, building them with objects, and saying what each symbol means.
Family records and proof options
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Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
Topmarks · Practice link — not the full lesson
Addition To 10
Before you open · source notes
Supplemental symbol practice: read and complete equations that display +, − is not used here, and =. Pair with adult talk about what each symbol means.
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Before you openSave a screenshot of a completed equation and a parent note that the learner pointed to + and = and explained each mark.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Unknown — link only
Topmarks · Practice link — not the full lesson
Subtraction To 10
Before you open · source notes
Supplemental symbol practice for − and = in take-away equations within 10.
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Before you openSave a screenshot of a completed subtraction equation and a parent note that the learner explained the minus and equals signs.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Read 3 + 2 = 5 aloud as 'three plus two equals five'
- Write a number sentence to match a concrete addition situation
- Interpret the = sign as 'is the same as' rather than just 'the answer is'
“If you write '4 + 3 = 7' on paper, can your child tell you what the plus sign, minus sign, and equals sign each mean?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Language
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Addition & Subtraction
- Age range
- Ages 5–7
Standards