Addition and subtraction strategies
Use counting on and counting back as strategies for addition and subtraction
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Addition and subtraction strategies here means counting on for addition and counting back for subtraction instead of starting from one every time. For 8 + 3, start at 8 and count three more: 9, 10, 11. For 12 − 4, start at 12 and count back four: 11, 10, 9, 8. A number line can show the hops; counters can check one answer.”
Bring to the table
- Paper and pencil
- A simple number line drawn 0–20 (or a strip of paper with marks)
- Optional: about 15 large counters for a concrete check (parent keeps tiny pieces away from mouths)
Extra for the adult
Worked example. 8 + 3: start at 8, count on 9, 10, 11. 12 − 4: start at 12, count back 11, 10, 9, 8. Counting on and counting back use the first number as the start instead of recounting from one.
Optional challenge. For Addition and subtraction strategies, solve 19 − 5 and 6 + 7 by counting on or back without a drawn line, then explain which strategy fitted each problem. Optional: make one short kitchen story that needs counting on.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: equations tried; whether counting on/back was used; number-line or counter support; answers. A photo of a blank number line alone does not show the strategy. This session does not establish every addition/subtraction method.
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Addition and subtraction strategies here means counting on for addition and counting back for subtraction instead of starting from one every time. For 8 + 3, start at 8 and count three more: 9, 10, 11. For 12 − 4, start at 12 and count back four: 11, 10, 9, 8. A number line can show the hops; counters can check one answer.
Spend about 12 minutes practising counting on and counting back on a drawn number line, writing the equations, checking one answer with counters if needed, then trying two fresh problems without pointing at every mark.
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
Robot More or Less
Before you open · source notes
Quick matching for one more/one less and small addition or subtraction steps. Use it to rehearse counting on and counting back, not multi-digit written methods.
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Before you openSave a matched-pair screenshot plus a parent note that the learner counted on or back aloud for two examples.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Unknown — link only
Toy Theater · Practice link — not the full lesson
Number Line
Before you open · source notes
Adult-guided number line for counting on and counting back from a start number. Choose a friendly range and hop forward or backward.
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Before you openSave a number-line screenshot showing hops and a parent note of one count-on and one count-back example.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Add 8 + 3 by starting at 8 and counting on 3 (9, 10, 11)
- Subtract 12 − 3 by counting back 3 from 12 (11, 10, 9)
- Explain that counting on is a way to add
“If your child needs to work out '8 + 5', can they start from 8 and count up five more — rather than starting from 1 every time?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Procedural
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Addition & Subtraction
- Age range
- Ages 6–8
Standards