Flashcards can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used when teaching kids addition facts, so they can visualize the numbers. They can be used when playing games or when doing daily drills. Flashcards also are available at multiple skills levels. Some flashcards have the entire problem visible. Some have the answer blank or blanks in the addends.
Games help students grasp math facts while responding quickly, which demonstrates they know the addition facts from memory. Among the variety of addition games is a math bee, which is similar to a spelling bee. Math bees can start with easy problems and gradually progress to problems with multiple addends and carrying numbers. The last student to give a correct answer wins. Relay games involve dividing the class into groups and quizzing them on addition facts.
Mental math can be a part of addition drills every day. Mental math requires kids to use only their minds to solve oral addition problems. Have only a few different students give answers each day if time is a factor. As the year progresses, the problems given to the students to figure out in their heads should increase in difficulty. Using problems that seem advanced for the students encourages them to think and provides them a chance to surprise you with how quickly they can figure out problems without writing them out.
Using worksheets allows kids to write out the addition families and give answers to random problems. Like flashcards, worksheets can be tailored to skill level by leaving one number out of the equation. The missing number can be one of the addends or the sum. The level of difficulty can be increased by using two- and three-digit numbers. Worksheets can be a shared activity, in which different students fill certain blanks in front of the group, or an individual drill, in which each student receives a worksheet to complete.