K-5 friendly lesson
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Add by Counting On - Sums to 20

🧠 Save your brainpower! You don't have to count both numbers from scratch. Start with the big number and just count on the small one.

Lesson 5

Concept

Counting on is the fastest strategy for adding small numbers. Why start at 1 when you can start at the big number? šŸŽÆ **The "Grab and Count" Strategy:** **Example: 14 + 3 = ?** 1. **Grab the Big Number:** "Grab" the 14 and lock it in your brain. Say it out loud: "Fourteen!" 2. **Count On:** Hold up 3 fingers. Say the next numbers out loud as you tap your fingers: "Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen." 3. **The Last Number:** The last number you said is the answer! So, **14 + 3 = 17**. This trick works even if the small number comes first! (For 2 + 15, grab the 15 and count on 2!).

Try it

Grab it and count! **Instructions:** Grab the biggest number and count on to find the sum. **Problem 1: 12 + 4 = ?** * Grab the 12. * Count on 4 times: "13, 14, 15, ___!" * Answer: ___ **Problem 2: 3 + 15 = ?** * Grab the 15! Count on 3 times. * Answer: ___ **Problem 3: 16 + 2 = ?** * Answer: ___ **Problem 4: 1 + 19 = ?** * Answer: ___