Addition with Accessories — Kindergarten

A group of hats, belts and a scarf sits beside a written number on every row, with the total left blank. The child counts the pictured set first, then counts on by the number to say how many accessories there are altogether. It is addition with one foot in counting and one foot in symbols: the picture keeps the meaning concrete while the numeral starts the move toward written sums, and the small totals let a kindergartner check every answer by counting.

Counting on from a number, instead of counting everything again from one, is a key kindergarten step, and pairing the number with a group of accessories to count makes it concrete. The picture anchors the meaning while the numeral does the new work, so the symbol is introduced exactly when the child has something real to attach it to.

Children who like accessories settle into this quickly, and it suits a calm independent task or a counting game on the board. When the numbers feel easy, count a fresh group in addition with animals, or try addition with breakfast. You can also browse every addition worksheet or the whole accessories collection for kindergarten — each sheet prints cleanly in black and white or plays online for free.