"My child can read numbers, but addition and subtraction still seem difficult..."
Do you ever feel that way?
Actually, before learning to write numbers for addition and subtraction, it's important to have many experiences with concepts like:
"increasing," "decreasing,"
"combining," and "separating."
With block play, children can actually move the blocks with their hands and see how quantities change, naturally developing an understanding of addition and subtraction.
This time, we will introduce "addition and subtraction games" you can enjoy with building blocks, categorized by age.
What abilities do addition and subtraction involve?
Addition and subtraction are not just about memorizing calculations.
For example,
- something that was 3 increased
- something that was 5 decreased
- two groups were combined
- how many there are in total
It's important to understand these "changes in quantity."
Using building blocks, you can
see,
manipulate with your hands,
and think while verifying.
【0-1 years old】Enjoy "more and less"!
At this age, there's no need to teach calculations.
What's important is to experience
that "quantities change."
Recommended Activities
Putting blocks in and taking them out
Put blocks into a box.
"One block went in!"
"Another one went in!"
"It's full now!"
Play while talking like this.
Stacking blocks
One.
Two.
Three.
Enjoy watching the number gradually increase.
【2-3 years old】Play while counting
This is the age when children start to become interested in counting.
It's okay if they're not accurate.
Enjoy familiarizing yourselves with numbers.
Recommended Activities
"Give me two blocks!"
The parent says,
"Bring me two blocks!"
As they get used to it,
"Bring me three blocks!"
"Bring me five blocks!"
and increase the number.
Let's combine them
Two square blocks.
Three triangular blocks.
When you combine them,
"1, 2, 3, 4, 5!"
That makes five in total.
It's okay if they don't know or make mistakes.
The most important thing is to enjoy it together.
【4-5 years old】Experience addition and subtraction
These are recommended games before elementary school.
Recommended Activities
Addition game
Line up three blocks.
Parent: "The rabbit has three blocks."
Add two more blocks.
Parent: "The turtle gave the rabbit two blocks."
Parent: "How many blocks does the rabbit have in total now?"
The child answers while actually counting.
Subtraction game
There are five blocks.
Take away two blocks.
Parent: "You gave two to your friend."
Parent: "How many are left?"
The child thinks while looking at the blocks.
Shopping game
Imagine the blocks as products.
"Three apples (square blocks) are for sale."
"If you buy two apples, how many apples will be left?"
You can learn the concept of calculation through play.
When they get used to it, try playing by pretending blocks are money.
"One apple costs 1 yen (one triangular block)."
"XX has 5 yen."
"If she buys two apples, how much money will be left?"
You can also count the number of apples remaining in the store at the same time... there are many ways to apply this!
【5-6 years old】Challenge thinking addition and subtraction!
You can gradually enjoy word problem-like games.
Recommended Activities
Create story problems
Have the child come up with their own problems.
For example,
"The rabbit has four blocks."
"A friend gave him three blocks."
"How many does he have in total?"
It's also recommended for parents and children to ask each other problems.
Make 10 game
Prepare 10 blocks.
Parent: "There are six blocks."
Parent: "How many more blocks do we need to make 10?"
Child: "Four!"
and thinks.
This game leads to understanding "groups of 10" which is learned in elementary school.
Block play is a warm-up for calculations
In block play,
✔ Counting numbers
✔ Combining numbers
✔ Separating numbers
✔ Understanding increasing and decreasing
✔ Learning about groups of 10
You can foster abilities that lead to elementary school math.
Rather than being told "calculate this,"
an experience of "I learned it while playing!"
will lead to confidence in mathematics.
Summary
Addition and subtraction are not just about memorizing numbers by writing them down;
they are about understanding concepts such as
"increasing,"
"decreasing,"
"combining," and
"separating" through experience.
Block play is perfect as an introduction to math for preschoolers, as it allows them to learn by actually seeing, touching, and manipulating objects.
Tsumiki-zu blocks can be freely arranged, collected, and combined, making them ideal for fostering an understanding of addition and subtraction while playing.
Please enjoy nurturing the budding "math lover" in your child with these activities.