Problems like “3 + 6” and “0 + 9” may seem easy, but they probably cause a few anxious moments when students first learn them—especially at an automatic level.

With Addition Facts 0 to 9, however, students really understand what such problems mean, using the concrete-representational-abstract method of learning. At the concrete level, students count out objects like checkers or sticks to understand that the problem 5 + 2 really means 5 objects being added to 2 objects (or vice versa). Once they have acquired this level of understanding, they move on to the representational level of learning. Here, they create pictures of boxes or circles next to each of the numbers. Finally, they graduate to the abstract level, where they use numbers alone to solve the problem, or, if they’re unable to recall the answer, draw out the problem using tallies.

Along the way, students also become proficient solvers of word problems involving addition facts 0 to 9. They also have fun practicing these facts with the colorful “pig dice” that come with the book, and they learn to increase the speed at which they are able to recall these foundational facts. Follow up with either Addition Facts 10 to 18 or Subtraction Facts 0 to 9.

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Please note that professional development, coaching, and infrastructure support are essential components to effective implementation of SIM instructional tools and interventions. It is highly recommended that you work with a SIM professional developer.