Introduce illustrations of the actual process of addition. Begin with a visual explanation, such as the one at the CoolMath4Kids website. Show the child that addition involves combining sets of objects. After he sees the online visual, carry the concept over to real-life applications.
Reinforce the visual concept of addition by illustrating addition facts on a number line. Use the "number line arithmetic" manipulative provided by the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (nlvm.usu.edu). Watch the screen to see a problem, such as 8 + 2, drawn in two "hops."
Combine two numbers with matching picture representations through sums of 10 at IXL's website (ixl.com). You can also use Harcourt School's "Adding Bricks" program (harcourtschool.com) to provide your child with an opportunity to understand the concept of combining numbers before she moves forward to memorizing facts. Allow her to count the objects at this point.
Concentrate on learning the addition facts, two numbers at a time, using a website such as AAAMath (aaastudy.com). Study the chart of facts for the two numbers, and use the "practice" option to answer simple addition problems for just those two numbers. Type the sums for 20 questions, or see how many correct answers you get in 60 seconds. Master one pair of numbers before moving on to the next.
Practice addition facts using movable manipulatives at ABCya's "Marble Math Addition" game (abcya.com). Answer the questions on your own or maneuver the balls for help as a pirate reads the problems orally. Complete the first of five levels successfully (score of at least 70 percent) and move to the next level.
Use virtual flashcards as practice. APlusMath (aplusmath.com) has a set that mixes up addition facts through the 12s. Attempt 10 problems in a row, then receive a score and a list of corrected answers for the problems you missed.
Play "Paint Brush Math" at Funschool's website (funschool.kaboose.com). Before you paint by the numbers, solve the simple addition equations to match problems and answers.
Study an addition table, such as the one at Math.com's site (math.com). Discover and discuss the patterns you find.
Read addition word problems aloud at AdaptedMind (adaptedmind.com). "How would you write two plus four as an addition sentence?" "What is three plus six?" "If your friend has one apple, and you have three apples, how many do you have combined?" Transition to word problems only after the concepts are understood.