Number Path
Help Mathumo cross the stones by stepping on the numbers in order.
- Ages 4–6
- Number order to 20
- Reading numerals
Sum Rockets
Sum Rockets is one of our free addition games for ages 5 to 7. Solve each rocket’s sum to launch it, and launch ten to light up the sky.
Pick the fuel number that makes the sum.
How to play
Solve each rocket’s sum to launch it, and launch ten to light up the sky.
- These addition games have three modes: Within 10, Within 20 (some sums cross 10) or Doubles (6 + 6 and 6 + 7). Pick one.
- Read the sum on the rocket, for example 4 + 3.
- Tap the fuel number that is the answer. The rocket lifts off and a star lights up.
- If it is not the right number, read the hint, then try another piece. After two tries a ten-frame of dots shows the sum.
- Launch 10 rockets to light all ten stars. Then play again!
After two tries on a sum, a ten-frame of dots appears so you can count the sum out and see the answer.
What children learn
- Addition facts: sums within 10 and within 20, built up from strategies instead of guessing.
- Counting on and making ten: starting from the bigger number, or filling up to 10 first (8 + 5 is 8 + 2 + 3).
- Doubles: knowing 6 + 6 = 12 and using it to find 6 + 7.
Guides for parents
Ideas for playing and talking about math away from the screen, related to Sum Rockets.
How to teach addition: from counting all to making ten
How to teach addition to kids in order: counting all, counting on, doubles, making ten, then fluency through play instead of timed drills.
12 math games for kids at home, with no worksheets
Twelve math games for kids at home using cards, dice, the kitchen and a walk. No worksheets, no special supplies, plus free online games to try.
More games
Shape Pop
Pop the bubbles that hold the shape Mathumo asks for.
- Ages 3–6
- Naming 2-D shapes
- Sides and corners
Questions about Sum Rockets
What are good addition games for kindergarten?
Good addition games for kindergarten start with small sums within 10, use pictures or objects as well as numbers, and let children try again without pressure. Sum Rockets suits ages 5 to 7: start with Within 10, then move to Within 20 and Doubles. Dice and card games at home help too.
How do I teach my child to add within 20?
Start with the numbers they already know. Within 10, count on from the bigger number: for 3 + 6 say “6… 7, 8, 9”. Past 10, use make ten: 8 + 5 is 8 + 2 + 3, which is 10 + 3. A ten-frame helps children see why it works. Short, relaxed practice a few times a week is enough.
What is counting on?
Counting on means starting from one number and counting up by the other, instead of counting everything from 1. For 4 + 3, say “4… 5, 6, 7”. It saves counting every object from 1, and it is easiest to start from the bigger number.
What is the make ten strategy?
Make ten means filling up to 10 first, then adding what is left. For 8 + 5, take 2 from the 5 to make 8 + 2 = 10, then add the other 3 to get 13. It uses the fact that 10 is an easy number to add to.
What are doubles and near doubles?
A double is a number added to itself, such as 6 + 6 = 12. A near double is one more or less, such as 6 + 7: it is double 6, plus 1, which makes 13. Doubles are often the first sums children know by heart, so they make good stepping stones.