Kindergarten Math: Addition up to 5 with Dots

Understanding Addition up to 5

Addition is putting groups of things together to find how many there are in total. When we add numbers up to 5, we use small groups of objects to help us count and understand what the numbers mean.

Real-Life Addition:

You have 2 apples. A friend gives you 1 more. You now have 3 apples.
You see 3 birds on a tree and 2 more fly in. There are 5 birds in total.
You build a tower with 1 red block and 2 blue blocks. You used 3 blocks.

Teacher Tip

Use objects that students can touch and move. Let them count out loud and see how two parts make a whole.

Using Fingers to Add

Our fingers are always with us and are a helpful tool for adding small numbers. Children can learn to show and count numbers using their hands.

Finger Addition:

Hold up 2 fingers on one hand and 2 on the other. Count all: 4 fingers.
Show 1 finger, then add 1 more. Now there are 2 fingers.
Start with 3 fingers. Add 2 more. You have 5 fingers in all.

Helpful Reminder

Remind students to count slowly and touch each finger once. They should start from the first group and count on.

Using Dot Patterns and Pictures

Pictures of dots help children visualize numbers and see how groups are combined. This builds number sense and helps with quick recognition.

Picture Examples:

2 green dots and 1 blue dot make 3 dots altogether.
3 dots on the left and 2 on the right equal 5 dots.
Show 4 dots in a row, then add 1 more under it. Count all to get 5.

Visual Strategy

Use clear, color-coded dots so students can group and count easily. Encourage them to point and count as they go.

Counting On to Add

Counting on means starting with the bigger number and adding the smaller one by counting forward. This helps build fluency in addition facts.

Counting On Practice:

Start with 3. Count on 1 more: 3, 4. So, 3 + 1 = 4.
Begin with 2. Count on 2 more: 2, 3, 4. So, 2 + 2 = 4.
Start at 4 and count on 1: 4, 5. So, 4 + 1 = 5.

Instructional Tip

Always start from the larger number and move forward. This saves time and helps students understand number order.

Using Objects to Add

Physical objects help make addition real. Students can count, touch, and group items to see how numbers are built.

Hands-On Materials:

Place 2 toy cars on the table, then add 1 more. Count them to get 3 cars.
Use 3 counters and add 2 more. The total is 5 counters.
Drop 4 buttons into a cup. Add 1 more. Now there are 5 buttons.

Helpful Tip

Use items students enjoy like bears, cubes, or snacks. Always ask: “How many do we have now?”

Writing Addition Sentences

Students learn to write number sentences that match the groups they are adding. This helps them understand the symbols and structure of math problems.

Addition Sentences:

2 apples and 1 apple make: 2 + 1 = 3
3 cubes and 2 cubes: 3 + 2 = 5
1 bird and 1 bird: 1 + 1 = 2

Math Language

Say the full sentence aloud as students write it: “Two plus one equals three.” This builds math vocabulary.

Building Fluency in Addition to 5

Fluency means solving problems quickly and correctly. Students build fluency through repeated practice with small numbers.

Fluency Games:

Flash cards with problems like 1 + 2, 3 + 1, 2 + 2
Match pictures to number sentences: 4 dots + 1 dot = 5
Roll a die and add to a set number, like always adding to 2

Practice Tip

Short, fun, and frequent practice sessions are best. Focus on speed and accuracy without pressure.

Go to the practice →

J.1 Addition up to 5 with dots