L1 · 一
Beginner
guided addition and subtraction
Lessons
Study first
- Setting Your First Numbers
Practice placing simple values cleanly and intentionally.
Open lesson → - First Addition on One Rod
Begin addition with controlled changes on a single rod.
Open lesson → - First Subtraction on One Rod
Learn subtraction as careful removal, not rushed guessing.
Open lesson → - One-Rod Number Pairs
Train easy one-rod pairs so direct movement feels clean before complements become necessary.
Open lesson →
Exercises
Practice next
- Set the number four
Four is made entirely with lower beads, one point each.
Open exercise → - Set the number eight
Eight is faster to set as 5 + 3 than by trying to count only with lower beads.
Open exercise → - Add 2 and 3 on one rod
This is a useful first pattern because the result becomes the upper bead alone.
Open exercise → - Add 1 to 7
Read the existing structure first, then add the smallest new movement possible.
Open exercise → - Add 4 and 4
Read the final rod as five plus three.
Open exercise → - Subtract 2 from 8
Eight is five plus three. Removing two leaves five plus one.
Open exercise → - Add three to six
This is a good early direct-addition drill because the value stays on one rod but still changes shape.
Open exercise → - Subtract three from nine
This reinforces that subtraction should still end with a clear rod reading, not just a guessed result.
Open exercise → - Matching number pairs
Matching exercises make learners compare structures instead of treating every problem as unrelated.
Open exercise →