Learning Path for Kids – From Counting to Simple Addition

Learning Path for Kids – From Counting to Simple Addition
I used to think that once kids can count dots on a dice or count how many pencils they have, they are ready for simple addition.

I was wrong.

Here’s what happened:
I asked my kids to tell me the total number of dots on two dice.
They got overwhelmed. They didn’t know where to start.

I realized something important:
Kids need to start with one dice first. They need time to process and build confidence.

That’s when I learned about subitizing—the skill to recognize the number of dots without counting one by one.
It’s a key step before learning to add.

Although addition is based on counting, there are missing steps in between.
Skipping those steps can make the transition hard for kids.

So I started to explore these steps.
I also began building simple apps to help kids move smoothly from counting to addition.

Welcome to a World of Fun and Learning!

To support this learning journey, I’ve developed five categories of web-based apps designed to engage young learners in math and logic. These apps focus on concepts like Counting & Subitizing, Comparison, Continuous Counting, Space Awareness, and Addition, offering a structured pathway for kids to build confidence and proficiency in math.

Learning Path I’ve developed

1. Counting & Subitizing (Blog, App)

Every child’s math journey begins with count. Counting dots on dice or other objects introduces them to the concept of numbers and quantities.

  • Apps in this category:
    • Count Dice: Visual representation of dots helps kids understand quantities and their relationship to numbers.
    • Count, Match & Connect: Kids practice counting and matching quantities to numerical values, reinforcing number recognition.
    • Count & Circle Biggest Group: Encourages subitizing and comparing quantities to build critical thinking.
    • Skip Count: A step toward advanced counting, teaching kids patterns and grouping through skip counting by 2s, 5s, or 10s.
    • Count and Write Down: Find and count the number of objects and write the number down on papers.

2. Comparison (Blog, App)

Once kids are familiar with counting, they move on to comparing numbers or quantities. Understanding relationships like greater than, less than, or equal to strengthens logical reasoning.

3. Continuous Counting (Blog, App)

As kids grow confident in subitizing, they are ready for continuous counting—counting from where they left off, rather than starting over. This skill is vital for mental math and problem-solving.

  • Apps in this category:

4. Space Awareness & Reasoning (Blog, App)

Understanding number sequences and relationships is essential for mathematical reasoning. These skills prepare kids for more advanced concepts like addition and subtraction.

  • Apps in this category:
    • Missing Numbers: Kids identify missing numbers in a sequence, strengthening their understanding of numerical order.
    • Guess Number Under Mask: A fun activity that sharpens number recognition and reasoning by guessing hidden numbers.
    • Number Sequence: Explores relationships with modes like “what comes next,” “what comes before,” “what comes between,” and more.

5. Addition

The final step in this learning path combines earlier skills to introduce simple addition. Kids learn to visualize, count, and add quantities interactively.

  • Apps in this category:
    • Drag & Drop Addition: Kids drag and drop emojis to represent numbers in an equation, building a hands-on understanding of addition.

Why This Path Matters

Each stage of this learning path builds upon the previous one, ensuring a smooth transition between concepts. For example:

  • Counting dots on dice evolves into subitizing and then into continuous counting.
  • Comparing numbers leads to logical reasoning and strengthens numerical understanding.
  • Space awareness and reasoning enable kids to navigate sequences, paving the way for addition and beyond.

I believe that this step-by-step approach ensures that young learners develop a solid mathematical foundation while enjoying interactive and engaging activities.

About the Apps

All apps are developed with young learners in mind. As a father of three, I’ve designed these tools based on my observations, interactions, and teaching experiences with my own children. While not a professional in early childhood education, I strive to create apps that are both fun and educational, encouraging kids to explore math concepts in an interactive way.

Start Your Learning Journey Today!

Explore the apps and see how they can help your child develop essential math skills while having fun. Together, let’s make learning an engaging and rewarding experience for kids!

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