Finger Addition The Easy Way
Counting on
Use the idea of ‘counting on’ to make addition easier. Counting on refers to doing addition by starting at one of the numbers, rather than starting at 0 and counting out both of the numbers.
Let’s use adding 8 + 3 as an example. It is easier if you pick the larger number being added as the starting point for the ‘counting on.’
Have your child make a closed fist and say ‘8.’ Then, lift one more finger each time as your child counts out loud ‘9, 10, 11.’ When 3 fingers are raised, you are done adding 3, and the counting stops. At that point, you have that 8 plus 3, which is 11.
With practice and further number relationship ideas, these math facts will become automatic for your child. However, there is no hurry for memorization, and it can wait until more experience with the quantities and relationships between the numbers has been gained.