10-Second Addition Tricks for Class 1

Maths can be difficult for young children to learn. Children begin learning numbers and tend to use slow, repetitive techniques, which can become frustrating as the sums get bigger. If your child has difficulty adding two numbers or gets frustrated with their homework, you need to learn some addition tricks for class 1. 

In this article, you will learn how to make maths fun and challenging in engaging and easy-to-follow ways.

What is Addition?

Addition is the process of combining two or more groups of objects to find the total amount. It is the first arithmetic operation a child learns in a classroom. It’s the fundamental idea of “combining” or “adding” to a given collection of objects. For example, a child may have three toy cars and get two more as a birthday present. Addition can be used to work out that the child now has five toy cars.

In Class 1, addition is typically modelled with physical materials such as blocks, beads or pictures. The numbers being added are called addends, and the result is called the sum. This is an important concept that underpins all future mathematical learning, whether it’s as simple as shopping or as complex as problems encountered later in life.

Best Addition Tricks for Class 1

In class 1, use the following addition tricks to help children move away from basic counting and recognise patterns and visual cues. These "tricks" will take 10 seconds or less once the child learns them.

1. Finger Addition 

This technique is the most natural method for beginners. Represents numbers physically using what the child already has—his or her hands.

• Example: 2 + 3

• Step 1: Show 2 fingers on one hand.

• Step 2: Add 3 fingers on the other hand.

• Result: Count them all together to get a total of 5

Enroll Now for Maths Online Classes

2. Use Objects 

A child's best way to understand a concept is through visual learning. When children use real-life objects, such as fruit or toys, the sum becomes real!

• Example: 2 apples image + 3 apple images

• Action: Place on a table and count all the apples at once. This establishes a concrete link to the numbers.

3. Draw and Count 

When objects aren't on hand, sketching basic shapes is a great alternative. It's wonderful for kids who like doing more than simply viewing.

• Example: 3 stars + 2 stars

• Action: Make stars and count to see if you get the answer.

4. Clap Addition 

This exercise is a trick to help children internalise numbers through sound and rhythm. It is especially beneficial for energetic children.

• Example: 2 + 4

• Action: Give 2 claps, pause, then give 4 more claps. Count the total number of sounds made.

5. Colour Dot Method 

Different colours make it easier for the brain to distinguish between the two sets of added numbers.

• Example: 2 blue dot + 3 red dot

• Action: Draw blue dots for the first number and red dots for the second number. Count all the dots and observe how they can be added together.

Read More - Class 4 Word Problem Solving Tricks

6. Addition Stories 

Use a sum to create a story to aid in real-life understanding. It provides context by putting numbers in place of page symbols.

• Story: “Riya had 3 balloons. Her mother gave her 2 more.

• Question: How many balloons does she have now?

• Result: 5 balloons.

7. Count-On Trick

This is a big step to making fast addition tricks in no time. The child begins with the larger one instead of the smaller one.

• Example: 5 + 3

• Step 1: Start at the bigger number (5).

• Step 2: Count forward 3 steps: 6, 7, 8.

• Result: 8. This method is much faster than counting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... and then 6, 7, 8.

Read More - How to Make Fractions Easy for Class 3 Students

Practise Sheet of Addition Tricks for Class 1

Use this interactive section to apply your new addition tricks for class 1. Grab a pencil and try these varied exercises!

Circle the Correct Answer

Look at the sum and circle the correct total from the options given.

1. 4 + 3 = (6 / 7 / 8)

2. 5 + 2 = (5 / 6 / 7)

3. 8 + 1 = (9 / 10 / 11)

4. 2 + 2 = (3 / 4 / 5)

Finger Math Section

Use your fingers to solve these. Remember to show your fingers for each number and then count the total.

1. 3 + 2 Total = ___

2. 5 + 4 Total = ___

3. 1 + 5 Total = ___

Draw and Solve

In the space below (or on your paper), draw simple shapes to find the sum.

1. 2 + 2: Total = ___

2. 4 + 1: Total = ___

3. 3 + 4: Total = ___

Circle the Bigger Answer

Solve both sums in each row and circle the one that gives the larger total.

1. (3 + 2) OR (4 + 4)

2. (5 + 1) OR (2 + 3)

3. (6 + 4) OR (7 + 2)

4. (8 + 2) OR (5 + 4)

Benefits of Addition Tricks for Class 1

These strategies start in the 1st year but provide significant support as the student reaches Class 2. See why it's important to learn these early:

• Handling Two-Digit Numbers: In Class 2, students have to deal with larger numbers, such as 25 + 10. These sums are easy for them if they can already ‘make ten'.

• Improved Confidence: A child who can work out a sum in 10 seconds thinks of himself as a "maths whiz". This feeling is a positive emotion that dispels the fear commonly associated with the subject.

• Better Accuracy: Manual counting vs mental shortcut leads to fewer errors. With finger counting, children tend to skip a finger or double-count if they count on their fingers for extended periods.

• Foundation for Subtraction: Most “fast addition tricks” can be reversed. If a child knows 7 + 3 = 10, they instantly understand 10 - 3 = 7.

• Time Management: When the kids are given time to complete classroom tasks, they can finish the work using class 1 mental maths strategies and then have additional time to double-check their work.

How Does CuriousJr Help with Class 1 Mental Maths

CuriousJr online Mental Maths class is about engaging, habit-based learning. Rather than learning facts by heart, the site features game-like modules to support mental math class 1 facts.

Personalised Learning Paths

The platform is able to determine the areas where the child is falling behind in learning, whether doubles, near-doubles or counting on, and then offer targeted work to fill those gaps. This will ensure that the child does not become bored with sums that are too easy or stressed out with sums that are too difficult.

Visual and Auditory Aids

Engaging animations help children to see numbers joining together or 'making ten'. It's like a visual transition that helps children move from an apple or a star to a number, whether on a screen or on a page.

Regular Practice and Feedback

Great little daily problems make addition tricks for class 1 a permanent part of the child's toolbox with Curious Jr. The feedback loops occur instantly, so kids can catch themselves if they do something wrong and change it before it becomes a habit.

Building Logic through Vedic Maths

The Vedic maths addition is introduced in a very simplified manner in the curriculum. It helps children see patterns in numbers and develop a "number sense" beyond the ability to memorise the answer to any particular sum.