Addition: Combining Groups
To develop understanding of addition as combining two groups to find a total.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Mathematics
- Learning area: Mathematics
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Combines groups to find total
- Uses part-whole model
- Counts on from larger number
- Writes addition sentences
Materials
- Part-whole model templates
- Number lines 0-10
- Counting objects
- Addition story problem cards
Instructions
Begin with practical combining: 'There are 3 frogs on the log. 2 more frogs jump on. How many frogs altogether?' Use real objects to act it out. Count the combined group: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 'Five frogs!'
Introduce the part-whole model: two circles feeding into a larger circle. 'The 3 frogs are in this part. The 2 more frogs are in this part. When we put them together, the WHOLE is 5.' This conceptual model underpins all number work.
Move to number lines: 'Start at 3 — find 3 on the number line. Now jump 2 more — jump, jump. Where did you land? 5!' Physical number line jumps make addition dynamic and visual.
Introduce the addition sign: 'We can write this: 3 + 2 = 5. The + means we're putting groups together. The = means the same as. 3 + 2 is the SAME AS 5.' Keep notation simple and clearly linked to the physical action.
Tell varied addition stories throughout the day: 'We have 4 children at the red table and 3 at the blue table. How many children altogether? 4 + 3 = ...' Real contexts make addition purposeful.
Develop 'counting on': 'Instead of counting all from the start, we start at the bigger number. 4... [hold 4 in head] ...5, 6, 7 [count on 3 more on fingers]. 7!' This efficiency strategy marks a conceptual leap.