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Age 6 guide to addition facts

Age-appropriate activities, explanations and practice ideas for addition facts.

Quick answer

By the end of this page, you will know how to add numbers up to 20 quickly and easily, using objects, drawings, and number patterns.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add two numbers together to get a total of 20 or less, using different ways to help you work out the answer. Success signs:
  • You can count on from a number to add.
  • You can use your fingers or objects to help you add.
  • You can add numbers you see in everyday life, like toys or snacks.
  • You can solve simple addition problems without counting all the way up.

Why this matters

Addition is one of the first maths skills you learn, and it helps you solve many problems in daily life. Whether you are sharing your toys, counting your pocket money, or figuring out how many cookies you have left, addition helps you get the right answer. It's also the foundation for more complex maths you'll learn later, like subtraction, multiplication, and division.

How it works

Addition means putting things together to find the total. When you add 3 + 2, you are combining 3 things with 2 things to get 5 things in total. You can use many different methods to add numbers. First, you can count all the objects. For example, if you have 3 apples and 2 oranges, you count them all: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. So, 3 + 2 = 5. Second, you can count on from the bigger number. If you have 3 apples and 2 oranges, start at 3 and count on 2 more: 4, 5. So, 3 + 2 = 5. Third, you can use your fingers or a number line to help you. If you have 5 blocks and 3 blocks, you can put them together and count them all, or you can count on from 5: 6, 7, 8. Fourth, you can use number bonds to help you. These are pairs of numbers that add up to a certain total. For example, 5 + 5 = 10, and 7 + 3 = 10.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some examples of addition using everyday things. Example 1: You have 4 toy cars and your friend gives you 3 more. How many cars do you have now? You can count them all: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. So, 4 + 3 = 7. Example 2: You have 6 stickers and your sister gives you 4 more. How many stickers do you have? You can count on from 6: 7, 8, 9, 10. So, 6 + 4 = 10. Example 3: You have 5 pencils and you buy 5 more. How many pencils do you have? You can think of it as 5 + 5 = 10. Example 4: You have 8 candies and eat 2. How many candies are left? This is a subtraction problem, but it shows how addition and subtraction are connected.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt! You start with 5 coins. Then, you find 3 more coins. How many coins do you have now? Let’s go step by step:
  • Start with 5 coins.
  • Find 3 more coins.
  • Count on from 5: 6, 7, 8.
You have 8 coins in total! Next, you find 4 more coins. How many coins do you have now?
  • Start with 8 coins.
  • Find 4 more coins.
  • Count on from 8: 9, 10, 11, 12.
You have 12 coins in total! Challenge: Can you find 5 more coins and count them all together? What is the total now?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting all the objects twice or forgetting to count some.
    Why it happens: Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted or confused when counting.
    Fix: Use your fingers or objects to help you keep track. Count slowly and carefully.
  • Mistake: Starting to count from 1 instead of the bigger number.
    Why it happens: Some children are not used to counting on.
    Fix: Practice counting on from the bigger number. For 4 + 3, start at 4 and count on: 5, 6, 7.
  • Mistake: Thinking that 2 + 3 = 5, but confusing it with 3 + 2 = 5.
    Why it happens: Children sometimes get confused about the order of numbers.
    Fix: Remember that 2 + 3 is the same as 3 + 2. This is called the commutative property of addition.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child learn addition facts by:
  • Using everyday objects like toys, fruits, or coins to practice adding.
  • Playing games that involve counting and adding, such as board games or card games.
  • Encouraging your child to count on from the bigger number instead of counting all the way up.
  • Practicing addition facts together and praising effort, not just correct answers.
  • Using number lines or visual aids to help your child see how numbers work together.
Remember, it’s normal for children to make mistakes when learning. Be patient, and always encourage your child to try again. Keep the practice fun and positive.

Practice questions

  1. What is 4 + 3?
  2. What is 6 + 2?
  3. What is 5 + 5?
  4. What is 7 + 1?
  5. What is 3 + 8?
  6. What is 9 + 0?
  7. What is 2 + 6?
  8. What is 10 + 3?
  9. What is 4 + 7?
  10. What is 8 + 2?
Answers:
  1. 7
  2. 8
  3. 10
  4. 8
  5. 11
  6. 9
  7. 8
  8. 13
  9. 11
  10. 10

FAQ

What is addition?

Addition is the maths of putting numbers together to find a total.

How can I help my child learn addition?

You can use everyday objects, games, and practice to help your child learn addition. Practice counting on from the bigger number and use visual aids to help them understand.

Why is addition important?

Addition helps you solve problems in daily life, like sharing toys or counting your snacks. It is also the foundation for more advanced maths like multiplication and division.

What are number bonds?

Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add up to a certain total. For example, 5 and 5 make 10, so 5 + 5 = 10.

How do I know if my child is ready for more advanced maths?

Your child is ready for more advanced maths when they can confidently add numbers up to 20, understand number patterns, and use strategies like counting on and number bonds.