Two ideas make addition easier for life. First, numbers can be added in any order: 3 + 5 is the same as 5 + 3. Second, three numbers can be grouped in any way: (2 + 4) + 3 equals 2 + (4 + 3). Children who understand these ideas can pick the easiest way to add, which is the heart of mental math.
Each item on this page has a number missing, and your child writes it on the line. There are no names to learn, only the pattern. Say what you see: the numbers are the same but turned around, or the same three numbers with the brackets moved. Then ask your child to check both sides by adding.
What your child will learn
Know that numbers can be added in either order
Know that three numbers can be grouped in different ways
Use these ideas to complete a number sentence
Common Core standard: 2.OA.B.2
Worked example
In 3 + 5 = 5 + ____, the same two numbers are added in the other order, so the missing number is 3.
Common mistake
Working out each side separately and writing the sum instead of the missing number.