Children learn the operations of addition and subtraction through real life situations and the use of concrete objects (e.g., real objects that can be manipulated, not paper and pencil).
Play addition games using objects in the home such as buttons, dishes, napkins, cookies, fruits, and vegetables. Have your child add two sets together to find a total.
Make up story problems with your child for him/her to solve. For example, there are three books on the shelf. Mom bought four more books. How many books are there altogether?
Books
The Doorbell Rang, by Pat Hutchins
The Napping Houses, by Audrey Wood
Rooster's Off to See the World, by Eric Carle
Ten, Nine, Eight, by Molly Bang
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, by Eileen Christlow
Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree, by Eileen Christlow
Computer Programs
Millie's Math House, by Edmark Corporation
Trudy's Time and Place House, by Edmark Corporation
Jump Start Math, by Knowledge Adventure
Peter's Numbers and Adventures, by Apple Corporation
Math Blaster, by Davidson Associates
Math Blaster Plus, by Davidson Associates
Thinkin' Things Collection, Edmark Corporation