Each card has a number on it. Do the math with the cards!
Add cards: Add the numbers together.
Example: 🂡 3 + 🂡 4 = 7
Subtract cards: Take away the second card.
Example: 🂡 5 − 🂡 2 = 3
Add three cards: Add all three cards together.
Example: 🂡 2 + 🂡 3 + 🂡 1 = 6
Target sum: Find two cards that add up to the target number.
Example: target 8 → 🂡 3 + 🂡 5 = 8
Example
What does this exercise practice?
This task practises basic arithmetic in a playful card setting: children practise addition and subtraction and learn to apply different operations flexibly.
Common pitfalls
With target sums children often try all combinations at random. Show them how to keep one card fixed and work out which second card is missing, instead of guessing blindly.
How to practice at home
Take a real deck of cards and each draw two cards. Whoever says the correct sum first keeps both cards. The game works right away and needs no preparation.
Related: Calculation, Cards