Addition and subtraction strategies
Use counting on and counting back as strategies for addition and subtraction
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1858 concepts · 9 subjects
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Teaching approaches
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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