Addition games that teach one method at a time
Children can learn addition in many ways, and that is exactly the problem: too many methods at once confuse them. These free addition games follow one path, step by step, and each step adds only one new idea. By the end, your child can add any two numbers up to 20 with a strategy they understand, not a trick they memorised.
Step 1: add to 5
Red and blue counters fill a small frame. Two red and two blue: how many altogether? Children count all of them, the first and most concrete way to add.
Step 2: add to 10 by counting on
Now the bigger number comes first. On level 2, the first number is written and only the second is shown as counters: 7, then 3 counters. The tip says: start at 7 and count on 3: 8, 9, 10. Counting on is faster than counting all, and it is the first real addition strategy.
Step 3: doubles
Doubles like 3 + 3, 5 + 5 and 8 + 8 are easy to remember, and children love them. Level 3 adds near doubles: 6 + 7 is 6 + 6 and one more. From a handful of known facts, children derive many new ones.
Step 4: make ten
Two ten frames show 8 and 5. How do you add them quickly? Move 2 counters to fill the first frame: 10, and 3 are left, so 13. This make-ten strategy is taught in classrooms around the world because it turns every sum to 20 into “ten and some more”.
Step 5: mixed facts
Finally, questions from every step are mixed, without pictures. Mixed, spaced practice like this helps facts stay in long-term memory, and Show me always brings back the counters and the strategy.
The research behind the order
The order follows research on how children develop fact fluency: first counting, then deriving answers from known facts, then simply knowing them. Studies also show that moving from objects to pictures to numbers helps children understand addition, including children who struggle with math. Read the full explanation in our guide how to teach a child addition.
Built for young players
One question, four big buttons, no timer, and help after every mistake. Ten questions make a level; three stars mean your child is ready to move on. When addition feels easy, continue with subtraction games, and later with times tables.
How to play Addition Games
- Add to 5 uses red and blue counters in a frame. Count them all.
- Add to 10 teaches counting on. Start at the bigger number and count up.
- Doubles practises 4 + 4 and 6 + 6, then near doubles like 6 + 7.
- Make ten turns 8 + 5 into 8 + 2 + 3. Fill ten first, then add the rest.
- Mixed facts mixes everything within 20. Level 3 on each step uses numbers only; Show me brings the picture back.
Addition Games tips
Bigger number first
For 2 + 7, start at 7 and count on 2. It is the same answer and far fewer steps.
Doubles are anchors
Children remember doubles easily. Then 6 + 7 is just 6 + 6 and 1 more.
Ten is the magic number
Once your child knows the pairs that make 10, every sum to 20 can go through ten.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to teach a child addition?
Start with objects, then pictures, then numbers, and teach one strategy at a time in a clear order, counting all, counting on, doubles, then make ten. Our parent guide explains each step.
At what age do children learn addition?
Most children start adding small numbers with objects around ages 4 to 5, add within 10 in kindergarten, and add within 20 fluently by the end of first grade, around age 7.
Should my child use fingers?
Yes, at first. Fingers are real objects. The strategies in this game help children move from counting on fingers to knowing and reasoning.
