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We’re doing this a bit backwards here, but after I posted about our favorite multiplication and division resources, a few requests came in for the addition and subtraction tools we love using. So here we are!
As with our multiplication and division favorites, the list for addition and subtraction resources is short. It’s another quality over quantity scenario. For us, being consistent with a few great resources always has a higher return than switching between lots of different methods and activities. Variety is fun, but my children thrive on consistency and predictability when it comes to learning. There’s also the added bonus of not breaking the bank on massive amounts of tools and educational toys that end up being used only a handful of times and then set aside.
So here are our top five favorite addition and subtraction resources:
1. Wooden number line
This is the most basic tool, but it makes a huge difference for us. When I first purchased it, I confess the aesthetic appeal of the wooden toy craze was a factor. Now that I see how much we use this and how consistently it helps Squeaks in our lessons, I’m glad I went with a sturdy wood one. This number line has served us from simple counting practice all the way up to triple digit addition and subtraction, and I don’t see us setting it aside anytime soon. Ours is made by the wonderfully talented Crystal from Bless This Homeschool. Not only is it sturdy and able to withstand the daily use and abuse we put it through, but it’s lovingly made by another homeschool mama. Hooray for small family businesses!!
Our beloved number line in use with our Master Books (level 3) curriculum and my skip counting cards.
2. Snap cubes
A classic with so many uses! These things have been in our home since Squeaks was just starting to count. They’ve been loved in the toddler phase simply for building and sorting colors, and valued in the school-age phase for counting, visualizing, and adding or subtracting groups. They snap together and come apart easily for little hands and are a perfect companion to many of my busy binder games! Which brings me to our next addition and subtraction resource.
3. Hands-On Math Printables
You know who you’re dealing with here, folks. If I can create an activity that will get little hands involved, interested, and having fun while learning, I’m gonna do it! Frankly, it was difficult to narrow down our favorites here, so I went with our most used. My dice games have been a hit from the beginning. Both the Roll, Build, Add and the Roll, Build, Subtract dice games have been played countless times. They’re super easy to play! Roll the dice, then build your numbers using those awesome snap cubes, blocks, or any favorite manipulative, fill in the equation (the subtraction version comes with an equal or lesser/greater than “coin” for forming a proper equation), then solve!
Get your Math Dice Games here!
As Squeaks has moved into higher digits with addition and subtraction, my Double Digit Math Robot has been a blast! She loved changing out the number family wheels and creating new problems. This adorable robot makes larger math problems so fun! It’s easy to switch between addition and subtraction with his removable buttons and he even has room for learning to carry a number in the “carrying cog”! Cute!!
Get your Double Digit Math Robot here!
4. Sum Swamp Board Game
We love this game so much that I feel like, if you don’t own it, are you really even a homeschooler?! Lol! Such a clever board game and so easy to play that my four year old can even grasp it with minimal help. It’s quick to play a round, effective at building addition and subtraction skills as well as basic counting, and the design is adorable. Squeaks loves the little animal pawns! I highly recommend this game for anyone who has a squirmy learner who may not want to sit and do a math workbook (like Little Dude), or if you just want to work in a little math on family game night.
Playing Sum Swamp with Little Dude in Kindergarten.
5. Moose Math App
Last but not least is the Moose Math app by Duck Duck Go. As you know I’m not one to rely much on a screen to teach, but this app cuts the mustard. It’s slow paced so not over stimulating, easy to follow, and cute as heck! All three of my kiddos have enjoyed this app through the years. It teaches number recognition, counting, addition, and subtraction and it’s free! I wouldn’t use this in place of hands-on manipulatives or a curriculum, but it’s definitely a fun add-on.
We consistently return to each of these addition and subtraction resources and have loved using each one of them at different stages of our homeschool journey. With each of these tools math has been a truly enjoyable subject to teach and fun for my kids to learn!
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