My son got to wear a crazy hat with a big “100″ on it the day that he could count the entire way to 100.  It was an exciting day – let me tell you.  Now he’s working on adding and subtracting.  Big stuff for him.

I’ve found it easy to slip in simple addition and subtraction to everyday activities.  It’s nothing profound.  I simply keep my eyes open and help him notice what he’s doing.

• 3 homework pages to do – 1 completed = 2
• 2 chairs for his sisters + 1 for him = 3
• 5 pieces of chocolate – 3 for all the kids = 2 for Mommy and Daddy
• 1 computer to play games – 0 time for Mommy to blog = 1 sad little kid
• 2 old cowboy boots + 2 new cowboy boots = 4 cowboy boots
• 3 child toothbrushes + 2 adult toothbrushes = 5 toothbrushes
• 3 beans + 3 beans = 6 beans to eat until he can have dessert

Simple?  Yes. Fun? Yes. Helps him remember? Yes. Seeing the glow in his eyes when he figures it out?  Priceless.

Can you think of something simple to add with your kindergarten or preschool child?  It can even be apples and oranges – ’cause even if they can’t be compared they can be subtracted as they’re eaten.

Photo by el patojo