Addition with small number rods

Age
3-6

Materials

 * 1) Two sets of Small Number Rods.
 * 2) Plain squared paper and pencil.
 * 3) Addition Sign Cards (optional).

Presentation
Presentation 1: 


 * The Directress invites the child to build two stairs with the number rods.
 * The rods on the left act as control of error and the rods on the right are used for addition purpose.
 * So, the Directress takes a rod from the left, counts them, for e.g. a rod 7.
 * Then she invites the child to choose a rod that is shorter than 7.
 * The Directress directs the child to choose from the right set of rods.
 * The child chooses a rod, for e.g. a 5 rod.
 * Then the Directress places the 5 rod just below the 7 rod, and then says, "how many more to make 7?"
 * The child then counts out the number rod to make 7 based on the 7 rod which acts as control of error and would probably answer "2".
 * Then the child takes a 2 rod and places it besides the 5 rod below the 7 rod and would find them at equal length.
 * Directress then explains, "5 plus 2 makes 7" and then shows the child how to write "5 2=7" on plain square paper.
 * The Directress can continue the presentation by showing a few more examples.

Control Of Error
The Rods themselves act as a Control of Error because the quantities are fixed.

Points Of Interest
As a preparation to learn Number Bonds, when doing the above exercise, we could always exchange places between the 2 addition rods and reinforce that, for e.g. 5 2=7 and 2 5=7 as well. Exercises should not be called 'sums' as in correct mathematical language the 'sum' is the answer to an addition question. We use 'exercise or 'example' instead.

Purpose

 * Introduce the child to addition with numbers 1 to 10.
 * Show the child how to record additions up to 10.
 * Provide controlled exercises for teaching number bonds.