Adding by 2 is part of Week 2 of our mastering basic math addition plan for Grade 1. Adding by 2 can be a little more intimidating. It can take a few more days to master compared to the topics in Week 1. But with constant practice, the child would be able to find the skill to master the 2 addition facts.
Adding by 2 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!
- One strategy when adding by 2 is using “Count On”. This is similar to adding by 1. It means that the child will just count the next number or numbers to arrive to the correct sum. Since, we are adding by 2, the child only needs to count the next 2 numbers. If it is 5+2, the child will count the next 2 numbers after 5. “Count On” is useful when adding by a small number. When using “Count On” start counting from the larger number.
- Our strategy was to “Skip the Number”. Basically, I ask Gab to start from the larger number and skip the next number to get to the correct answer. So for 5+2, Gab will start from 5, skip the number 6, and will get to the correct answer which is 7.
- I did not use “Count On” since I think it encourages counting instead of mastering addition. But that is just me. If “Count On” works well with your child, stick with it.
- Emphasize the commutative property of addition. It simply means that the order of the numbers (or addends), does not affect the answer. Thus, the answer for 8+2 is the same as 2+8.
- Use the Number Line to illustrate adding by 2. This is how I was taught decades ago. I used it to show how “Skip the Number” works. Gab was able to visualize the process and able to understand how it works.
Adding by 2 Worksheets
Use the worksheets below to practice adding by 2. I recommend having 2 worksheets per day only.
The first four worksheets below are good for 2 days of practice.
 |
 |
 |
 |
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 by 2 Worksheet #1
- Speed Test – Adding by 2 Worksheet #2
- Speed Test – Adding by 2 Worksheet #3
- Speed Test – Adding by 2 Worksheet #4
Read also our 8-week Basic Math Addition Mastery Plan.
