Foundation Number Cheatsheet

• Counting means saying numbers in order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...
• Subitise means knowing how many objects there are without counting each one (we can subitise up to 5 objects)
• We can compare groups to see which has more, fewer, or the same number
• We can order numbers from smallest to largest (and largest to smallest)
• Adding means putting groups together to find how many altogether
• Subtracting means taking away to find how many are left
• We can use objects, fingers, or drawings to help us add and subtract
• Sharing equally means giving each person/animal the same amount

Example 1: Subitising

I show you 4 dots quickly. How many do you see?

Answer: You can just know it's 4 without counting — that's subitising!

Example 2: Adding with objects

Maya has 3 toy cars. Her friend gives her 2 more toy cars. How many toy cars does Maya have altogether?

Step 1: Put 3 toy cars in a group
Step 2: Put 2 toy cars next to them
Step 3: Count all the cars together: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Answer: 3 + 2 = 5 toy cars

Example 3: Sharing equally

There are 8 lollies. Two friends want to share them fairly. How many lollies does each friend get?

Step 1: Count 8 lollies
Step 2: Give one lolly to Friend A, one to Friend B
Step 3: Keep sharing until all lollies are given
Answer: Each friend gets 4 lollies

• Mistake: Forgetting to say '1' when starting to count. Fix: Always start with 'one' when you count!
• Mistake: Counting the same object twice when adding. Fix: Point to each object once as you count it.
• Mistake: Not counting on from the first group when adding. Fix: If you have 5, say 'five' then count: six, seven, eight to add 3 more.
• Mistake: Giving unequal shares when sharing. Fix: Check that each person gets exactly the same number of objects.

• Count: Say numbers in order (1, 2, 3, 4...)
• Subitise: Know how many objects by looking (without counting)
• Compare: Look at two groups and see which is different
• Order: Put numbers from smallest to largest
• Add: Put groups together to find the total (use the + sign)
• Subtract: Take away to find what is left (use the − sign)
• Total: The answer when you add groups together
• Share: Give equally to each person or group