Take advantage of technology by allowing students to use the computer. Free online games will help students build interest in addition. Websites such as Kids Numbers (kidsnumbers.com) and Fun 4 The Brain (fun4thebrain.com) will appeal to children of various ages and abilities. While students are working online, the teacher is able to work with other students and monitor everyone's progress. Online addition games will help students increase their comprehension of mathematics and mastery of basic facts. Students are self-motivated to get better with addition so they can advance through the levels.
Try modeling various addition facts for students. For example, ask specific students to walk to the front of the room. Continue to add more and more students, using the board as necessary to model the process of adding numbers. Continue to model the process of addition with the use of play money. One way to do this is to set up a class store. Have the students come up one at a time to purchase something. Again, use the board to show students how the items add up. After students seem to understand the idea, ask them to model the concept in front of the class by adding up the store items. Students enjoy sharing their knowledge in front of the class, and this type of practice will allow the teacher to assess how much each child understands.
Flashcards have long been a favorite of teachers for their ease of use and effectiveness. Ask students to create their own set of flashcards using the blank side of index cards. On one side, have them write a basic addition fact, such as 6 + 6. On the other, they should write the answer. Ask students to store the cards in plastic bags and pull them out whenever they have some extra time. Allow students to pair up with partners to quiz each other over basic addition facts. Over time, students will get better at quickly adding two numbers.
In order to keep students engaged, try using recreational games. Students usually do not even realize that they are learning with these fun activities. Some ideas are to have students toss a beach ball around with numbers written all over it. Explain that they should say the two numbers closest to where their thumbs land and announce the sum of the digits before passing the ball. Students could also roll dice and announce the sum or flip over playing cards before announcing the sum.