Math Learning Steps

Children like them

Adding twins are when a number is added to itself, such as 3 + 3. Children generally enjoy adding twins, so they learn them eagerly and readily. The sums are also the numbers you get when you skip count by 2’s, so that helps to reinforce these adding facts.

A foundation for doubling

Knowing adding twins quickly leads to knowing how to double. Suppose you ask your child to double 3. They know that doubling something means to take two if it. So, doubling 3 means 3 plus 3, which is 6.

Near twins

A pair of numbers is a near twin if they are one apart, such as 3+ 4. Once your child knows their adding twins, near twins is an easy next step. Think of 3 + 4 as 3+ 3+ 1, so it is 1 more than 3+ 3. So, 3+4 = 6+ 1= 7. Alternatively, think of 3 + 4 as (4 – 1) + 3, which is 1 less than 4 + 4. So, 3 + 4 = 8 – 1 = 7. Allow your child to pick whichever approach they prefer for each near twin, or have fun doing them both ways.

This technique of using a familiar math fact to figure out a closely related math fact is powerful. It will help with learning many math facts in the months to come. Take your time and make sure your child thoroughly understands how this works. To explain it, demonstrate how 3 objects and 4 objects can be split up as 3 objects plus 3 objects plus one more – being able to see and touch things at this age is very powerful.