Parent guide · Kindergarten Math · Unit 4

Lesson 4.2 The + and = Signs

Written for the parent. Read the Say this lines aloud as they are, or in your own words. Answers for you are marked Listen for.

At a glance

Time: 5 sessions of 15–20 minutes
Goal: Read and write addition sentences. Know what = means.
You need: A ten-frame (printables pack)
Pencil and crayons
Print: Worksheet A · Worksheet B · the lesson page (it also has a short video (3:48))

Steps

Warm-up
Do this: Ask these out loud. Your child answers out loud; no paper needed.
- Ask: “5 + 1” Listen for: 6
- Ask: “3 + 5” Listen for: 8
- Ask: “2 + 0” Listen for: 2
- Ask: “4 + 3” Listen for: 7
- Ask: “3 + 4” Listen for: 7
Teach the new idea
Say this: “The plus sign means add. The equals sign means both sides are the same amount.”
Say this: “3 + 2 = 5 is read ‘three plus two equals five.’”
Say this: “Plus (+): add.”
Say this: “Equals (=): is the same amount as.”
Show how
Show: 5 + 2 = ___
Say this: “Start at 5 and count on 2: 6, 7.”
Say this: “5 + 2 = 7”
Answer: 7
Show: Find the missing number: 1 + ___ = 1
Say this: “Think: what goes with 1 to make 1?”
Say this: “1 − 1 = 0”
Say this: “Check: 1 + 0 = 1”
Answer: 0
Practice together
Do this: Your child does these with you. Let them try first; help only after a real try.
Ask: 3 + 2 = ___
Listen for: 5
If stuck: Start at 3 and count on 2: 4, 5.
Ask: 2 + 1 = ___
Listen for: 3
If stuck: Start at 2 and count on 1: 3.
Ask: 4 + 2 = ___
Listen for: 6
If stuck: Start at 4 and count on 2: 5, 6.
7 more practice items on the lesson page, and on Worksheet A and Worksheet B.
Watch for
- Thinking = means “the answer comes next.” It means “the same as.”
Game: Ten Pairs
Use cards 0–10. Lay four face up. Your child finds two that make 10 and keeps them. Refill and continue.
Narration
Say this: “Tell me what you learned today. Show me with your hands or the counters if you like.”
Listen for: Read and write addition sentences.; Know what = means.
Daily habit
Practice the “make ten” pairs every day: 1 and 9, 2 and 8, 3 and 7, 4 and 6, 5 and 5.

Spread over the week

5 sessions of 15–20 minutes. Stop while it is still going well.

Session 1. Warm-up, then teach the new idea (steps 1 and 2).
Session 2. Warm-up again, then show how with the examples.
Session 3. Practice together, then play the game.
Session 4. More practice on the worksheet, and the daily habit.
Session 5. Quick check: narration and a few practice items. Move on when it is mostly right.