Employ word problems that involve addition. Create scenarios that interest young students and spark their imaginations. For instance, ask "If I have three magic wands, and I give one to you, how many do I have left?" Alternate using the names of children in the classroom in word problems.
Rely on objects, instead of your fingers, to add. Children are stimulated by colorful toys and objects, so use them to keep their attention. For instance, arrange three bright yellow balls and two bright green balls on the table. Challenge the students to find the sum of the yellow balls and the green balls.
Use interactive games and activities to practice addition, rather than only using worksheets or flashcards. For instance, distribute paper and crayons to each student and instruct them to draw a picture according to your instructions. Then give them directions to draw objects, such as four yellow balloons and two red balloons flying over one brown house. Give directions one at a time. At the end, ask children questions, such as the following: How many balloons are in the picture? How many dogs? How many animals? How many animals with wings? How many objects in the sky?
Add with dominoes. Arrange ten dominoes on a table. Challenge students to calculate the sum of both sides (dot figures) of the domino. Then, as a class, calculate the sum of all the sums. Show your work on the chalkboard so that all students can follow your steps.