X Tables
Maths Adventures

Jungle maths quest: addition

A story-led junior maths adventure using bridges, vines and hidden temples to combine treasures, supplies and scores without losing track.

Quick answer

Adding numbers together is like putting treasures, supplies, or scores together to find the total amount.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add two numbers together to find the total amount, using objects, pictures, or counting on. Success signs:
  • You can count on from a number to add another number
  • You can use objects or drawings to show addition
  • You can add numbers up to 20
  • You can solve simple addition problems in real life

Why this matters

Addition is like putting things together to see how many you have all together. When you're on a jungle quest, you might collect 5 bananas and then find 3 more. You need to add them to know you have 8 bananas in total. Addition helps you count your treasures, add up your points in games, and solve problems in everyday life. It's a super useful skill for your jungle adventure!

How it works

Addition means putting numbers together to find the total. Here's how to add numbers:
  1. Start with one number
  2. Count on from that number to add the second number
  3. Count the total amount
You can also use objects or drawings to help you add. For example, if you have 3 toys and get 2 more, you can count all your toys to find the total.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're on a jungle quest and you collect treasures! Example 1: You find 4 shiny coins and then find 2 more coins. How many coins do you have altogether?
  • Start with 4 coins
  • Count on 2 more: 5, 6
  • You have 6 coins in total
Example 2: You collect 3 jungle fruits and then find 5 more fruits. How many fruits do you have?
  • Start with 3 fruits
  • Count on 5 more: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • You have 8 fruits in total
Example 3: You have 6 puzzle pieces and your friend gives you 4 more pieces. How many pieces do you have now?
  • Start with 6 pieces
  • Count on 4 more: 7, 8, 9, 10
  • You have 10 pieces in total

Try it as a mini adventure

Jungle Maths Quest: The Treasure Hunt You are on a jungle adventure and need to collect treasures to reach the hidden temple. Here's your quest: 1st stop: You find 3 golden leaves. How many leaves do you have now? Answer: 3 leaves 2nd stop: You find 4 more golden leaves. How many leaves do you have now? Answer: 3 + 4 = 7 leaves 3rd stop: You find 2 more golden leaves. How many leaves do you have now? Answer: 7 + 2 = 9 leaves 4th stop: You find 5 more golden leaves. How many leaves do you have now? Answer: 9 + 5 = 14 leaves 5th stop: You find 1 more golden leaf. How many leaves do you have now? Answer: 14 + 1 = 15 leaves Final challenge: You need to collect 10 leaves to open the temple door. You have 15 leaves. Do you have enough leaves? Answer: Yes! You have 15 leaves, which is more than 10 leaves.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting the first number again when adding. Why it happens: The child counts the first number and then starts counting from 1 again. Fix: Start counting from the first number, not from 1. If you have 3 and add 2, start from 3 and count on: 4, 5.
  • Mistake: Adding 0 to a number and getting a different answer. Why it happens: Confusion about what happens when you add 0. Fix: Remember that when you add 0, the number stays the same. 5 + 0 = 5.
  • Mistake: Confusing addition with subtraction. Why it happens: The child might think that adding means taking away. Fix: Addition means putting things together, not taking them away. Use objects to show that adding makes more.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using everyday objects like toys, fruit, or coins to practice addition
  • Playing addition games with your child, like counting how many steps you take together
  • Encouraging your child to count on from a number instead of starting from 1
  • Using real-life situations like sharing snacks or collecting items to practice addition
  • Practicing simple addition problems together with your child
What to say:
  • "Let's count how many toys we have together"
  • "If you have 3 apples and I give you 2 more, how many apples do you have now?"
  • "Let's count on from 5 to add 3"
What not to worry about:
  • Children might count slowly at first - that's normal
  • They might make mistakes - that's part of learning
  • They might need to use fingers or objects to help - that's okay

Practice questions

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

FAQ

What does addition mean?

Addition means putting numbers or objects together to find the total amount.

How do I add numbers?

You can add numbers by counting on from the first number to add the second number.

Why do we need to learn addition?

Addition helps us count things together, solve problems, and find totals in real life.

What happens when I add 0 to a number?

When you add 0 to a number, the number stays the same. For example, 5 + 0 = 5.

Can I use objects to help me add?

Yes! You can use toys, fruit, or any objects to help you add numbers together.