Sorting Tray Addition

Food trays with three (or more) compartments are very useful for addition! Use the separate compartments to sort objects into the numbers to be added.

For this activity:

Separate items into 2 sections of a sorting tray. Ask your child to count the items in each section.
Then, one by one, count and place each object into the third section, asking the question, “How many are there altogether?”
Reinforce the concept by writing the sum on paper so your child can see how it is laid out and begin to recognise an “equal” sign.
Always use the correct vocabulary when teaching addition, “2 plus 2 equals a sum of 4”. It is important to use the appropriate vocabulary from a young age.