Milestone Maths Level A Milestone 4

In Milestone 4 we introduce your child to the concept of addition. At this stage your child does not need to know the term “addition” or any of the language associated with addition. So, there’s no need to say things like “2 plus 3 equals 5.”

Always keep in mind that Level A is all about learning through play and developing intuition that will serve your child well when they begin “formal” lessons in Level B. The most important thing is to have fun!

Milestone Goal

The most important concept that your child should take away from this Milestone is that addition is about taking a number of objects and grouping them in different ways. Or, to put it another way, taking two collections of objects and combining them into one group. The latter way of stating it is more similar to the addition operation but the former way is the better way to show the idea to children because it leads to them learning the addition facts with ease.

Game Ideas

• Addition memory. Use the number flashcards provided with the previous Milestone (or make your own, or use purchased ones). Lay the numbers 1-4 on the table and take turns flipping two cards. The aim is to find two cards that add to five. This will be more interesting if you have several copies of the numbers 1-4 (you can make the cards quickly by writing the numbers by hand on cardstock or scrap cardboard and cutting them out. You can also just print out 3 or 4 copies of the number flashcards page).
• Memory with subitizing practice. Play the above game but use the picture cards instead of the number cards. This practices both addition and subitizing simultaneously.
• Missing number. Hold up 0-5 fingers and ask the child how many fingers are down. If this is difficult at first, have your child tell you how many fingers are up. Once they can do this quickly, switch to having them tell you how many are down.
• Some went hiding. Use five small counters (toys, coins, dried beans, beads etc.) Show the child that you have five counters in your hand then, close your hand and move it behind your back. Drop some of the counters in your other hand. Show your child how many counters remain in your hand and ask them how many counters are “hiding”.

Workbook Milestone Download

As always, our free resources are really free. No sign-up required. But since you are getting this high quality resource free, please consider saying “thank you” by subscribing to my newsletter (the form is at the bottom of this post!). Also, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any issues with the download.

Sample Lesson Pages