K-5 friendly lesson
Try one idea, then jump into the activity.These lessons are designed to feel short, friendly, and easy to follow.

Mastering Small Additions (+0, +1, +2, +3)

🚀 Let's learn some super-fast mental math tricks! Adding 0, 1, 2, or 3 to any number is easy once you know the secrets. Let's master these small additions!

Lesson 2

Concept

These are some of the most common addition problems you'll see. Knowing the strategy for them makes everything faster! **The Zero Hero Rule (+0):** This is the easiest one! Adding zero doesn't change the number at all. It's like adding nothing! * **8 + 0 = 8** * **15 + 0 = 15** **The "Just the Next Number" Rule (+1):** Adding 1 simply means you say the next number when you count. * **6 + 1 = 7** (7 is the next number after 6) * **12 + 1 = 13** **The "Count On 2" Strategy (+2):** To add 2, just start at your number and count on the next two numbers. * **5 + 2 = ?** -> Think "5..." then say "**6, 7**". The answer is 7. * **11 + 2 = ?** -> Think "11..." then say "**12, 13**". The answer is 13. **The "Count On 3" Strategy (+3):** It's the same idea! Start at your number and count on the next three numbers. * **4 + 3 = ?** -> Think "4..." then say "**5, 6, 7**". The answer is 7. * **10 + 3 = ?** -> Think "10..." then say "**11, 12, 13**". The answer is 13. Mastering these small additions will make bigger problems much easier!

Try it

Let's practice our new strategies! **Instructions:** Solve these problems using the best mental math trick. **Part 1: The Zero Hero** 1. 9 + 0 = ___ 2. 17 + 0 = ___ **Part 2: The Next Number** 3. 8 + 1 = ___ 4. 14 + 1 = ___ **Part 3: Count On 2** 5. 7 + 2 = ___ 6. 13 + 2 = ___ **Part 4: Count On 3** 7. 6 + 3 = ___ 8. 15 + 3 = ___ **MIXED-UP CHALLENGE!** Use your brain! Which strategy will you use for each one? 9. 18 + 1 = ___ 10. 5 + 3 = ___ 11. 19 + 0 = ___ 12. 9 + 2 = ___