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J.4 Addition up to 5 with addition sentences

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Understanding Addition Sentences

An addition sentence is a number sentence that shows how two numbers are combined to make a total. It uses the plus sign (+) to add and the equals sign (=) to show the sum.

Addition Sentence Examples:
  • 2 + 1 = 3
  • 4 + 0 = 4
  • 1 + 3 = 4
Helpful Reminder

Teach students to say the addition sentence aloud as they write it, for example, “two plus one equals three.” This strengthens number sense and symbol recognition.

Writing Addition Sentences from Objects

Students learn to write addition sentences by counting groups of objects and recording the total with numbers and symbols.

Object to Sentence:
  • 3 blocks + 2 blocks = 5
  • 1 apple + 4 apples = 5
  • 0 cars + 5 cars = 5
Teacher Tip

Encourage students to group objects physically before writing the addition sentence to connect the concrete and abstract ideas.

Missing Number Addition Sentences

Students solve addition sentences where one addend or the sum is missing, building problem-solving skills and fluency.

Sample Problems:
  • __ + 2 = 5 (Answer: 3)
  • 4 + __ = 5 (Answer: 1)
  • 3 + 2 = __ (Answer: 5)
Strategy

Use counting on or physical counters to help students find the missing number, reinforcing addition understanding.

Writing Addition Sentences from Stories

Students translate simple story problems into addition sentences to develop math communication skills and apply addition in real life.

Story to Sentence:
  • You have 2 balloons. Your friend gives you 3 more. How many balloons do you have? 2 + 3 = 5
  • There are 4 birds on a tree, and 1 more joins. Total birds: 4 + 1 = 5
  • 1 cat is sleeping, 2 cats come to play. Total cats: 1 + 2 = 3
Instructional Tip

Encourage students to draw pictures before writing addition sentences to visualize the problem and make connections easier.

Using Number Words in Addition Sentences

Writing addition sentences with number words helps students link spoken and written language with math concepts.

Examples:
  • “Two plus three equals five” → 2 + 3 = 5
  • “One plus four equals five” → 1 + 4 = 5
  • “Zero plus five equals five” → 0 + 5 = 5
Language Focus

Practice saying addition sentences with number words to build oral math vocabulary and support reading skills.