We discovered a really creative tool for teaching addition. The ‘Adding Square’ is an easy-to-use table that kids can use when first learning addition. To use it, print it out and have the child place a finger on each of the two numbers to be added. Move the fingers along the table until they intersect — the intersection point is the answer! We definitely did not use the adding square as the primary method for teaching addition, but it worked very well as a tool to:

• Check answers to problems student worked using other methods
• Observe patterns of addition as one moves through the square
• Build confidence before introducing actual counting (especially useful for teaching very young children)

Download the Adding Square .pdf