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Addition up to 5 with butterflies

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What addition means

Addition means putting two groups together to find how many there are altogether. The plus sign (+) tells us to combine groups. The equals sign (=) means “has the same value as” or “the answer is.”

Example:

There is 1 butterfly in one group and 2 in another. Put the groups together and count all the butterflies: 1, 2, 3. So 1 + 2 = 3.

Remember

The total tells how many are in both groups together. It is not just the number in the second group.

Count all to find the total

When the numbers are small, count every object in both groups. Point to each butterfly once, and say one number for each picture. The last number you say is the total.

Work through the example:

Find 2 + 2.

  1. Look at the first group: it has 2 butterflies.
  2. Look at the second group: it has 2 more butterflies.
  3. Count all four: 1, 2, 3, 4. Therefore, 2 + 2 = 4.
Counting carefully

Move a finger from one butterfly to the next as you count. This helps make sure that no butterfly is skipped or counted twice.

Count on from the first number

Another way to add is to begin with the first number and count forward for the second group. This is called counting on. Start with the larger group when it makes the count easier.

Try this:

Find 3 + 2. Start at 3, then count two more numbers: 4, 5. The total is 5, so 3 + 2 = 5.

A helpful approach

Say the starting number, then say only the numbers being added. For 3 + 2, say “3, 4, 5.” The two numbers after 3 show the two more being counted.

Adding zero

Zero means that there are no objects in a group. Adding zero does not change the number in the other group.

Example:

There are 4 butterflies, and 0 more join. The group still has 4. Therefore, 4 + 0 = 4.

Remember

Adding zero means no new butterflies are added, so the first group stays the same size.

Read an addition sentence

An addition sentence shows the two groups and their total. In 2 + 1 = 3, 2 is the first group, 1 is the group being added, and 3 is the total.

Match the picture to the numbers:

The picture and number sentence show the same groups: 2 + 1 = 3.

Check the total

Count the two groups together to check that the number after the equals sign matches the picture.

Solve a short addition story

A story problem can describe two groups coming together. Listen for what was there first, what was added, and how many there are altogether.

Example:

Two butterflies are resting on a flower. One more lands beside them. How many butterflies are there now?

  1. There are 2 butterflies at first.
  2. 1 more butterfly joins them.
  3. Add the groups: 2 + 1 = 3. There are 3 butterflies altogether.
Use the story

When two groups are joined, addition can help find how many there are altogether. Draw or point to each group as you solve.

Ways to practice addition

  • Begin with numbers that make totals of 0 to 5.
  • Point to each butterfly while counting.
  • Use fingers or small counters to represent each group.
  • Say the addition sentence aloud and check the total.
Helpful prompts:
  • “How many are in the first group?”
  • “How many more are being added?”
  • “How many are there altogether?”
For adults supporting learning

Allow the learner time to count each group. If needed, model one step at a time and then let the learner try a similar example.

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Notes for teachers

This resource provides clear explanations, visual examples, and practice for learners working on early addition. It may be used for whole-class instruction, guided practice, independent learning, review, or additional reinforcement at home.