Simple Addition Sheets
The first steps in addition are about counting things, not memorising facts. These simple addition sheets start with pictures children can count — “3 stars and 2 stars” — then move to ten frames, sums to 5 and 10, adding one and two, and doubles. Each sheet is short, clear and comes with an answer key.
Simple Addition Sheets
Printable picture addition, ten frames, sums to 5 and 10, adding 1 and 2, doubles and number line addition worksheets with answer keys.
- Picture addition to 5 (PDF)
- Picture addition to 10 (PDF)
- Picture addition to 10 (set 2) (PDF)
- Ten frames (PDF)
- Blank ten frames (PDF)
- Sums to 5 (PDF, DOCX)
- Sums to 10 (PDF, DOCX)
- Adding 1 and 2 (PDF, DOCX)
- Doubles (PDF, DOCX)
- Number line (PDF, DOCX)
Formats: PDF, DOCX. Instant download after payment (link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). AI-assisted: the templates were drafted with AI help and reviewed and laid out by Kedop.
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Sheets in the pack
| Sheet | Skill | Typical age |
|---|---|---|
| Picture addition to 5 | Count two groups and add | 4–5 |
| Picture addition to 10 | Count on from the bigger group | 5–6 |
| Ten frames | See numbers as “how many more to 10” | 5–6 |
| Sums to 5 | Number facts to 5 | 5 |
| Sums to 10 | Number facts to 10 | 5–6 |
| Adding 1 and 2 | Counting on | 5–6 |
| Doubles to 10 + 10 | Double facts | 6–7 |
| Number line addition | Jumping forward | 5–7 |
A gentle progression
- Start with real objects: blocks, buttons, toy cars. Put 3 in one pile and 2 in another, then count them all.
- Move to picture addition sheets, where children count the drawings and write the total.
- Use ten frames to see numbers as “5 and a bit” and “how many more to make 10”.
- Introduce the plus and equals signs with sums to 5.
- Practise counting on: start at the bigger number and count up (5… 6, 7).
- Build fluency with sums to 10, doubles and near-doubles.
Strategies children use
| Strategy | Example | When |
|---|---|---|
| Count all | Count every object: 1, 2, 3… 5 | The very beginning |
| Count on | 4 + 2: start at 4, then 5, 6 | Once children know numbers to 10 |
| Start with the bigger number | 2 + 7 → 7 + 2 | Once they know order doesn’t matter |
| Make ten | 8 + 3 = 8 + 2 + 1 | With ten frames |
| Doubles | 4 + 4 = 8, so 4 + 5 = 9 | After doubles are known |
Worked example: a ten frame
A ten frame is a 2 × 5 grid. Seven counters fill the top row of five and two of the bottom row, so a child sees “5 and 2 more” without counting one by one, and can see three empty spaces: 7 + 3 = 10. Two ten frames side by side show teen numbers — 10 and 4 is 14 — which prepares children for place value.
Addition words to teach
Young children meet many words for addition: plus, add, and, altogether, total, sum, more, make. Read the sums aloud using different words — “three and two more make five”, “what is the total?” — so children recognise addition in word problems as well as in number sentences. Simple stories help too: “Two ducks were on the pond. Three more came. How many ducks are there now?”
Games that practise addition
- Dice addition — roll two dice and say the total; the first to 50 wins.
- Domino totals — turn over dominoes and add the spots.
- Snap to ten — pairs of cards that make ten win the pile.
- Shop — price toys at 1p to 5p and add up small purchases.
- Number line hop — chalk a line outside and jump the sums.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Keep sessions short — five to ten minutes is plenty at this age.
- Say the sums aloud: “three and two more makes five”.
- Let children use fingers and objects; it builds understanding.
- Praise the strategy, not just the answer.
- Mix in games: roll two dice and add the dots.
- Stop while it is still fun.
Formats and printing
All sheets are PDFs for US Letter and A4 with large, clear print and plenty of writing space. Answer keys follow each sheet.
AI-assisted content
Worksheets were generated with AI assistance using scripted number sets, and answer keys were checked by Kedop.
Frequently asked questions
At what age do children start addition?
Many start adding with objects around 4–5 and write simple sums around 5–6.
What is a ten frame?
A 2 × 5 grid that helps children see numbers in relation to 5 and 10.
What are sums to 10?
All the addition facts with totals up to 10, such as 6 + 4.
Are answer keys included?
Yes, for every sheet.
How long should a worksheet session be?
Five to ten minutes for young children.
What should my child learn after sums to 10?
Sums to 20, subtraction facts, and adding tens.
Is this a subscription?
No, it is a one-time download.