Addition Machine

You and your child can create an Addition Machine. This was designed specifically to help early elementary kids understand the concept of addition.

What you need:

Addition Machine Printable Laminating the printable will make it last longer.
empty shoe box
2 styrofoam cups
2 brads
2 popsicle sticks (to hold top of box open)
velcro dots (to attach the popsicle sticks to hold the top of the box open)
scissors
crayons, markers, or colored pencils
some sort of math manipulative used for counting

Directions:

Use the pictures below as a reference.

1. Cut out all of the numbers and symbols in the Addition Machine Printable. This will last longer if you laminate. Add a velcro dot to all of the numbers and symbols.

2. Let your child decorate the box.

3. Use velcro dots and the popsicle sticks to create a stand to hold the top of the box open. We did this by adding a velcro dot at the end a popsicle stick. Then we added the velcro dots that stick to the side and inside top of the box. The popsicle stick could then act as a stand to hold the box open. We did the same with the other popsicle stick and other side of the box.

4. Attach 2 styrofoam cups to the inside lid of the box which is now held open by the popsicle stick stands. Then add a velcro dot to the styrofoam cups.

5. Finish your Addition Machine by adding the addition and equal symbols.

Addition Machine showing 3 manipulatives

Addition Machine showing 1 plus 2 equals 3

Teaching Tip: Your child could use the Addition Machine to solve the problems on a worksheet.

Encouragement: Mommy, Daddy, Primary Caregiver, or Teacher when you lovingly give your time to help your child learn, you are not only building math connections, but also a positive connection between you and your child.

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Infant Toddler/Preschool Elementary