Maths Matters

with Mrs Trend

Let’s Talk About Addition!

Addition is one of the first operations children learn in primary school. It’s not just about getting the right answer — it’s about understanding how numbers work together, using different strategies, and applying this knowledge to solve problems in everyday life.

What is Addition?

Addition is the process of joining two or more numbers together to make a total. For example, 3 + 5 = 8. As students progress through school, they learn to use mental strategies, number lines, written methods, and problem-solving skills to add larger numbers, fractions and decimals. They will also apply addition skills to other areas of maths.

How You Can Help at Home?

Adding a little addition into your daily routines can build your child’s confidence and number fluency! Here are some simple ways to practise addition at home:

Quick Fact Call-Outs: “What’s 7 + 5?”, “What’s 9 + 6?”
Dice Games: Roll two dice and add the numbers together — see who gets the highest total!
Shopping Maths: Ask your child to add prices while shopping or work out how much change you’ll get.
Board Games: Games like Snakes and Ladders (a favourite in the Trend household) help with adding on as you move.

Activities by Year Level

Foundation:

Practise adding numbers to 10 using objects like toys, pegs, or counters.
Use fingers to show how numbers combine to make totals up to 10.
Sing simple addition songs (e.g. “5 Little Ducks”).

Year 1–2:

Practise addition facts to 20 (e.g. 13 + 6).
Use number lines to jump and add on.
Play card games like Addition Snap — whoever adds the numbers correctly first wins!

Year 3–4:

Use mental strategies like near doubles (e.g. 6 + 7 is double 6 plus 1).
Add two- and three-digit numbers using vertical addition.
Challenge them with word problems like “If you have 145 stickers and get 37 more, how many do you have?”

Year 5–6:

Add larger numbers, including decimals (e.g. 3.6 + 4.75).
Use rounding to estimate (see last newsletter for info on estimation) totals before adding.
Create multi-step problems: “If you buy 3 items costing $12.50, $9.75 and $8.20, how much change will you get from $50?”

Quick Call-Back Ideas

While driving or at dinner, try:

“What’s double 9?”
“What’s 3 more than 28?”
“Add 250 and 175 in your head — what’s the total?”

These little conversations build number sense and confidence!

Thanks for continuing to support your child’s numeracy skills at home. Together, we’re helping every learner become a confident problem solver!

— Mrs Trend and The Numeracy Team ➕✨