[Teach the addition facts in short, fast-moving sessions. When the learner is challenged to say the sums "quick as a flash," it can almost be fun.]

Is there any way to add small numbers that could possibly be easier than using an electronic calculator? You bet there is! It is using the powerful computer between your ears, but first you need to learn the addition facts.

Script for Next Challenges As I point to each number questions in a line, I will say the sum, and you say the complete addition fact. [e.g., 2 + 1 = 3] I will point to the number questions in order in the line, and you say the sum "quick as a flash." [Repeat until perfect. Correct errors by simply saying the sum.] I will point to the number questions out of order in the line, and you say the sum "quick as a flash." [Repeat until perfect.] Having finished the lines in the challenge, I will point to number questions in any of the lines, and you say the sums "quick as a flash." [When he can't remember a fact, tell him the fact (e.g., 2 + 9 = 11) and have him say it as he writes it.] Finally, I will give you a story problem.

CHALLENGE 1: Learn the "2 plus" facts.

2 + 1 = ? , 2 + 2 = ? , 2 + 3 = ?

2 + 4 = ? , 2 + 5 = ? , 2 + 6 = ?

2 + 7 = ? , 2 + 8 = ? , 2 + 9 = ?

The Browns have 2 dogs and 3 cats. How many pets is this?

CHALLENGE 2: The 3 plus facts.

Remember that 3 + 2 is the same as 2 + 3 which you have learned.

3 + 2 = ? , 3 + 3 = ? , 3 + 4 = ?

3 + 5 = ? , 3 + 6 = ? , 3 + 7 = ?

3 + 8 = ? , 3 + 9 = ? , 3 + 7 = ?

Roger has 3 baseballs. His brother has 6 baseballs. How many baseballs do both have?

[Review 2 plus facts.]

CHALLENGE 3: The 4 and 5 plus facts.

4 + 4 = ? , 4 + 5 = ? , 4 + 6 = ?

4 + 7 = ? , 4 + 8 = ? , 4 + 9 = ?

5 + 5 = ? , 5 + 6 = ? , 5 + 7 = ?

5 + 8 = ? , 5 + 9 = ? , 5 + 6 = ?

Jaun gave his youngest child $4 and he gave his oldest child $6. How much was the total money that he give his children?

[Review previous challenges not yet mastered.]

CHALLENGE 4: The 6, 7, 8, and 9 plus facts.

6 + 6 = ? , 6 + 7 = ? , 6 + 8 = ? , 6 + 9 = ?

7 + 7 = ? , 7 + 8 = ? , 7 + 9 = ?

8 + 8 = ? , 8 + 9 = ? , 9 + 9 = ?

Billy had $6, and he made $9 more mowing lawns. Then how much money did he have if he didn't spend any?

[Review previous challenges not yet mastered.]

CHALLENGE 5: Here is a helpful trick. Make sure that you absolutely master the "doubles" because they can help you work out other sums you may have forgotten. For example, what is 5 plus 4?

You learned 4 + 4 = 8. You know that 5 is 1 more than 4, so 5 + 4 is 1 more than 8, which is 9. Use this trick to make each of these additions (Recall the sum of the double first.):

3 + 4 = ? , 5 + 6 = ? , 6 + 7 = ? , 7 + 8 = ? , 8 + 9 = ?

CHALLENGE 6: Here is the "change to 10" trick to work out forgotten sums. If you forget an addition fact, see if you can change one number to 10.

For example, 7 + 10 = 17. What is 7 + 9? Take 1 from 7 and add it to 9. Now you have 6 + 10 which is 16. Use this trick to make these additions:

7 + 9 = ? , 9 + 6 = ? , 5 + 9 = ? , 6 + 8 = ?

[When the learner masters the addition facts, have a big celebration!]