Fluency in addition and subtraction comes from two different kinds of practice: fast recall of basic facts, and the ability to apply those facts inside a real problem. This page covers both.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Ages 5–9
- Time: 10 minutes
- Skill focus: Addition and subtraction fluency, word problem comprehension
- Materials: Pencil, a timer (optional)
Speed Drill (2 minutes)
Write 10 simple facts mixing addition and subtraction within 20 (e.g. 7+5, 12-4, 9+8, 15-6). Time your child completing all 10, then repeat the same set the next day and compare times — the goal is improvement, not a specific score.
Word Problems
- Maria has 8 stickers. Her friend gives her 5 more. How many stickers does Maria have now?
- There were 14 birds on a fence. 6 flew away. How many birds are left?
- Sam read 4 books in June and 7 in July. How many books did Sam read in total?
What They’re Learning
Speed drills build automatic recall so working memory is free for harder problems later. Word problems build the separate skill of translating language into an equation — a common stumbling block even for kids who know their facts cold.
Parent Tip
If word problems are the struggle, have your child restate the problem in their own words before solving it — the gap is often reading comprehension, not math.