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BRITISH ENGLISH · DISCOVER TOGETHER

Addition games for kids: join two groups and count

A first addition can be something a child does with objects: bring two groups together and find how many there are altogether. Girafoufou later places the plus sign alongside the pictured groups.

Try it together
INSIDE THE ENGLISH GAMEOne apple plus one apple, with two possible totals to choose from
One apple plus one apple, with two possible totals to choose from

Give the plus sign something to describe

Look at each group before reading the calculation. The sign + describes joining the quantities. Counting the objects together helps connect the written symbols to a visible action, rather than treating the equation as a shape to memorise.

Return to the objects whenever needed

A child can recognise numerals and still need help with the meaning of addition. Use small real groups first, then come back to the screen. Mistakes receive a gentle invitation to try again; there is no timed score to chase.

SIDE BY SIDE

Join two pictured groups

  1. Count the objects in the first group.
  2. Count the objects being added.
  3. Find the total together and look at the written addition.

This is a later number activity. If it is still closed, the game opens the relevant path so the child can take earlier steps.

Explore the plus sign

The discovery games are free to try without a card or account. Full family access is paid. Check Prices for the current plans in pounds; changing between French and British English does not require another purchase.

PUT THE SCREEN DOWN

Cars arrive at the car park

You will need: Four toy cars and a sheet of paper.

  1. Park two cars on the paper.
  2. Bring one more car into the car park.
  3. Count all the cars together. Try a different small arrival if your child wants to.

Keep this activity using your browser’s Print menu, or share it by email. No sign-up needed.

Girafoufou · https://www.girafoufou.com/en/learning-games/addition

Questions
from parents.

Must my child write an equation?

No. Start with the objects and the spoken meaning of joining groups. The symbols are introduced in the activity; paper calculations are not required for the off-screen idea.

Carry the idea a little further.

FOR GROWN-UPS

Learning games for 3 year olds: look, touch and explore

Count three objects, match pictures and explore a talking picture book. Calm learning games for three-year-olds, with simple ideas to try off screen.

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Learning games for 5 year olds: first words and number bonds

Try blending short words, number bonds and early addition at five. See what Girafoufou offers, how to help and when to choose an easier activity.

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Counting games for preschoolers: from objects to first sums

Touch objects, compare small groups and match quantities to numerals. Explore Girafoufou’s early maths games, with a simple counting activity for home.

Explore TRY IT TOGETHER

Counting to 3: touch each object, then say how many

Try a first counting game with two and three objects. See how to help without answering for your child, then make a teddy tea party off screen.

Explore TRY IT TOGETHER

Telling the time games: start with the whole hour

Look at an analogue clock, notice its hands and start with whole hours. A gentle way to explore time together, with a paper-clock activity for home.

Explore TRY IT TOGETHER

Number bonds games: two parts, one whole

Explore doubles, fingers and dominoes to see how numbers split into parts. Try a gentle number game, then investigate the same idea with five toys.

Explore

About this guide

Product guide by the Girafoufou team. Updated . The activities described here are checked against the English game.

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A small discovery.
Then time to play.

The discovery games are free to try without a card or account. Full family access is paid. Check Prices for the current plans in pounds; changing between French and British English does not require another purchase.

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