Reading +, −, and = symbols
Read, write, and interpret the symbols +, −, and = in number sentences
What a learner can do afterwards
- Read 3 + 2 = 5 aloud as 'three plus two equals five'
- Write a number sentence to match a concrete addition situation
- Interpret the = sign as 'is the same as' rather than just 'the answer is'
The lesson
The + sign means plus, or put together. The − sign means minus, or take away. The = sign means equals, or the same as.
Try it together
Nina has 3 stars. She finds 2 more stars. Now she has 5 stars. She writes 3 + 2 = 5.
Tap each star and count out loud.
Good to know
The = sign does not just mean 'here is the answer.' It means both sides match. 3 + 2 is the same as 5.
Plus means put together, minus means take away, and equals means both sides match.
Watch it
Where it sits
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
Then practise
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.