A practical toolkit to support your child when maths is hard
We have developed this step-by-step guide to help you provide extra support with your child's maths at home, particularly if they are having difficulty learning to count, add and subtract in the first years of school.
This page has all the videos, information and resources you need to get started. You can get access to additional resources and ongoing support from our specialist teachers in our Facebook group.
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Getting Started with Links at Home – Maths
Welcome to Links at Home – Maths! Through a series of video lessons and downloadable guides and resources, we show you how to support your child when maths is hard.
On this page you will find seven video demonstrations that introduce your child to new addition facts so they can build on their skills at a pace that suits them. Each video comes with a written instruction guide and includes worksheets and games so your child can practice the new skills they learn in a fun and engaging way.
Bookmark this page now so you can quickly and easily return to it each week to complete the learning and activities with your child.
Jump to:
Building Maths Foundations
How Children Learn Maths
Before getting into the Links at Home – Maths program, we will start by looking at the foundation skills children need to learn maths to understand why it can be so hard.
Intro to Addition
In this video, we break down the concept of addition and introduce you to the resources and the order we’ll introduce the addition facts so your child can build strong foundations.
Key Maths Terminology to Remember
There are a few mathematical terms that you may come across throughout this program that you may be unfamiliar with or aren’t quite sure of their meaning. Your child may have heard these terms in class, or you may have seen them in their homework. We’ve done our best to keep the language in this program simple to understand for all families. Below is a reminder of some of the terms you may come across when helping your child with maths.
Commutative Property: The order you add two numbers together doesn’t change the result. For example, 3 + 2 = 5 and 2 + 3 = 5
Number facts: Simple calculation with two numbers that can be remembered and recalled quickly and easily.
Place Value: A digit’s value is determined by its position within a number. For example, the 3 in 13 represents a value of three while the 3 in 36 represents a value of thirty.
Video Lessons
The counting and addition facts have been broken into seven groups to provide a structured approach to learning maths that promotes success for your child.
Watch our demonstration videos to learn how to teach and explain the different number facts to your child so they can become quick, confident and correct in their calculations.
Group 1 – Counting and Numerals
In Group 1, we teach you counting principles, numeral identification and place value to lay the foundations for addition.
Group 2 – Adding 1 and 2
In Group 2, we build on counting patterns with the concept of ‘next number’ and ‘next, next number’ for +1 and +2.
Group 3 – Adding Zero
In Group 3, we teach the concept of zero or adding nothing.
Group 4 – Adding 10
In Group 4, we teach adding 10 to build your child’s understanding of place value with simple number facts.
Group 5 – Doubles
In Group 5, we teach you how to add two of the same number together, or doubles, setting the foundations for more advanced maths operations later.
Group 6 – Add to 10
In Group 6, we teach you the number pairs that always combine to equal 10, commonly referred to as Friends of Ten.
Group 7 – Remaining Facts
In Group 7, we introduce the remaining facts using the concepts of near 10 and near doubles.
Games and Activities to Support Counting and Addition
Once your child builds confidence in their counting and addition facts, it’s important to keep practicing these skills so they stick. Playing games and completing revision activities is a fun and engaging way to help your child become quick, confident and correct with addition facts until they are automatic.
We’ve developed a range of printable board games, designed for each group of counting and addition facts. You can also download the blank board game templates to add your own maths facts to, which is a great way to practice the facts your child has the most difficulty with.
Learn how to play each game below.
Captain Count’s Treasure Trail
Practice number recognition and counting skills to help Captain Count navigate high seas to find the treasure chest. This game is ideal for Group 1 before moving on to addition.
Race to Space Numeral Game
Practice number recognition and writing numerals to be the first to launch your rocket into space! This game is ideal to play in Group 1 before moving on to addition.
Chicken Run Addition Game
Practice the +1 and +2 facts to return all the eggs to the coop before they hatch! This game is ideal for Group 2.
Addition Bingo
Spin the number spinner and pick up a card. Add the two together and see if the answer can be found on your bingo card! This game is best played from Group 3 onwards.
Addition Card Games
Practice adding 10 and making ten with our maths take on classic card games including snap, go fish and concentration.
Double Dash Addition Game
Practice the double facts to help the delivery driver collect the meal and deliver it to the home before it goes cold!
Sum Safari Game
Review the addition facts from Group 2 to Group 6 to help the explorer spot all the animals!
The Great Add-venture
Review all the addition facts learnt in Links at Home – Maths to reach the top of the mountain!
Join Our Supportive Community
To get more ideas to support your child’s maths, join our supportive Facebook Group. Here we will share additional resources, games and program updates. This is also a safe place for families to share their own ideas and reach out for help.
Development of Links at Home was possible thanks to generous funding from community partners including Berkeley Sports Club and Mounties Liverpool.
