Addition Worksheet for Kids: Add Horizontally and Vertically!
Children ages 4-6 practice basic addition by solving problems arranged both horizontally, like '3 + 2 =,' and vertically, in a stacked column format, building flexibility with the two most common ways addition problems appear in early math worksheets and textbooks. Learning both formats now means neither will feel unfamiliar once formal school math introduces them side by side.
Part of the pack
Month 11: Learning & Development | Ages 5-6Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Look at a horizontal addition problem first and have your child add the two numbers, writing the sum in the box provided. Move to a vertical problem next, pointing out that the numbers are stacked instead of side by side, but the addition works exactly the same way. Continue through the remaining problems in both formats, encouraging your child to say the addition sentence aloud each time before writing the answer.
Materials needed
- Pencil
Extension activities
- •Create your own addition problems in both horizontal and vertical formats and swap with your child.
- •Use counters or small objects to model a few of the vertical addition problems physically.
- •Time your child solving a row of problems, then try again another day to see their improvement.
- •Play an addition dice game, rolling two dice and adding the numbers together in either format.
Tips for parents and teachers
Point out that horizontal and vertical addition are the same operation just written differently, since some children mistakenly think they are two separate skills to learn. Encourage your child to show their work or explain their reasoning rather than just writing an answer, so you can catch any misunderstanding early. Provide manipulatives if needed, and let them try solving independently before offering help.
Written by
Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena
MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai
Every RaisoActive worksheet is designed and checked by the founder before publishing.
Published · Last reviewed
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