Numbers stand in the four corners, and arrows between them show the calculation path.
Each arrow tells you how to get from one corner to the next.
A calculation path also runs through the middle, the same on both diagonals.
Example:
From the 1 to the 3 the arrow is plus 2.
Through the middle from the 1 to the 4 the arrow is plus 3.
The arrows that are filled in show the answer.
Example
What does this exercise practice?
The calculation cross practices plus and minus at the same time and makes connections between numbers visible. Children work out the missing operation from two given numbers and so strengthen flexible calculating.
Common pitfalls
Children mix up the direction of the arrow and calculate backwards. It helps to always think from the number at the start of the arrow to the number at the arrowhead and check whether plus or minus fits.
How to practice at home
Write down two numbers, for example 3 and 7. Ask: Which arrow leads from the 3 to the 7? Plus 4! That is how you practice finding the right operation between two numbers.