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G.2 Addition up to 10 with flamingos

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Learning to Add with Flamingos

Addition means putting numbers together to make a total. Using flamingo pictures helps children clearly see how one group and another come together to form a bigger number.

Example:
  • 3 flamingos on the left, 2 on the right → Total: 5 flamingos
  • 1 flamingo joins 4 others → Total: 5
Note

Use printed pictures or toy flamingos to act out simple addition problems. This makes learning fun and hands-on.

Counting Flamingos to Add

Children count each flamingo one by one to find the total. This helps them focus, track numbers, and build early math skills.

Try This:
  • 2 flamingos and 3 more → Count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 → Total: 5
  • Show 4 flamingos, then 1 more → Count all: 5 flamingos
Note

Guide children to point to each flamingo while counting. This supports careful, accurate counting habits.

Using Fingers and Flamingos

Fingers and flamingos work together! If children see 3 flamingos, they can hold up 3 fingers. Then they add more and count all.

Try This:
  • 5 flamingos and 2 fingers up → Total: 7
  • 4 fingers + 3 flamingos → Count all → 7 total
Note

Let children move between pictures and finger counting. This builds confidence and strengthens number connections.

Reading and Matching Number Sentences

Each group of flamingos can match an equation. This helps children see how pictures connect to math sentences like 3 + 2 = 5.

Example:
  • Show 3 flamingos and 4 more → Write: 3 + 4 = 7
  • 2 flamingos + 5 flamingos → Equation: 2 + 5 = 7
Note

Invite students to say or write the number sentence after looking at a flamingo picture. Ask: “What do you see?”

Choosing the True Statement

Children are shown flamingos and must choose which number sentence is true. This builds reasoning and attention to detail.

Try This:
  • Picture shows 6 flamingos and 2 more → Choose: 6 + 2 = 8 or 6 + 2 = 9 → Correct: 8
  • Image shows 3 + 3 → Which is true? → 3 + 3 = 6
Note

Help children double-check their thinking by counting the flamingos again if unsure. Accuracy matters.

Solving Flamingo Math Stories

Stories make math fun! Children listen to a short problem and imagine the flamingos as the story unfolds.

Example:
  • “3 flamingos are near the pond. 4 more come. How many now?” → 7
  • “There are 2 flamingos. Then 5 more fly in.” → Total: 7 flamingos
Note

Use simple language and familiar settings. Act out problems using toys or drawing to bring the story to life.

Building Fluency with Flamingos

Fluency means solving addition facts easily and correctly. Repeating problems with flamingos helps build speed and memory.

Supportive Activities:
  • Flash cards: 4 flamingos + 3 flamingos → 7
  • Clap and count: “1 flamingo, 2 more, now 3!” → Repeat for automatic recall
Note

Use games, songs, or visuals that repeat facts like 2 + 2 = 4 and 5 + 3 = 8. Repetition builds success.

Tips for Parents and Teachers

  • Use flamingo stickers, drawings, or toys to model real addition stories.
  • Begin with numbers up to 5, and move toward 10 as confidence grows.
  • Ask questions like “How many now?” to support everyday practice.
  • Celebrate small wins and use encouraging words to build math confidence.
Helpful Tips:
  • Hide flamingos behind paper cups → Reveal two groups and ask for the total.
  • Draw flamingo groups and label the matching equation underneath.
  • Use nature walks or books to count real or pretend birds together.
Note

Make learning visual, playful, and part of the child’s daily experience. Math is all around us!

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