Adding Near Doubles is part of Week 5 of our mastering basic math addition plan for Grade 1. Near doubles are numbers that are close to each other like 1+2, 2+3, 3+4 and so on. Adding the smaller numbers will be fast for the kids but the challenge is usually with the bigger numbers. Fortunately, once the child has mastered adding doubles from the previous week, adding near doubles will become easier.
Adding Near Doubles Teaching Strategies
The strategies below are just suggestions. It may work or may not work with your child. I suggest using one strategy at a time. If the strategy already works, stick to it. Having too many strategies can be confusing also. If your child has developed their own strategy to consistently arrive to the correct answer, use it as well. In fact, that may be the best strategy yet!
- Recognize the Near Doubles. The child must be able to quickly recognize if the numbers involved are near doubles or not. See the Near Doubles Addition Facts Table for the list. Notice that the numbers being added are near each other.
- Doubles +1 or Doubles -1. Either choose one of the strategy below, or let the child choose which one will be easier for them.
- Take the double of the smaller number and add 1. For example, in 7+8, take the double of 7 which is 14 then add 1, to get to the answer of 15.
- Take the double of the larger number and subtract 1. For example, in 7+8, take the double of 8 which is 16 then subtract 1, to get to the answer of 15.
- Here’s a video about adding near doubles to explain more about this strategy.
- If you need some review on adding doubles, check out our adding doubles worksheets here.
Adding Near Doubles Worksheets
Use the worksheets below to practice adding near doubles. I recommend having 2 worksheets per day only.
The first four worksheets below are good for 2 days of practice.
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The next four worksheets has a line for TIME. You can use this to time how fast your child can answer the 20 items correctly. The goal is to be fast and accurate at the same time. Thus, if the child makes a mistake, 10 seconds is added to the total time.
No need to set a time limit. Just use the time as a comparison with previous worksheets.
These timed tests are optional. You may opt not to take note of the time. Some experts believe that timed tests have a negative impact on kids. Aim for accuracy over speed.
- Speed Test – Adding Near Doubles Worksheet #1
- Speed Test – Adding Near Doubles Worksheet #2
- Speed Test – Adding Near Doubles Worksheet #3
- Speed Test – Adding Near Doubles Worksheet #4
Read also our 8-week Basic Math Addition Mastery Plan.
Looking for other FREE addition worksheets for Grade 1, visit our Addition Facts page.
Look! At the end of Week 5, your child has mastered about 85% of all the addition facts already!!! In fact, there are only 10 addition facts that needs to be learned. And we still have 3 weeks to go.
How are you doing so far? Let us know in the comments below.
