Mastering Basic Math Facts in Addition and Subtraction

Susan O Connell and John San Giovanni

Chapter 3 Adding 0

- 0 facts: the simplest set of facts when it comes to automaticity, because adding or
subtracting nothing doesnt change the quantity. However, thinking about a part of a
quantity when one of the parts is nothing can be confusing to children. Thats why it
is easier to work with +1/+2 and -1/-2 first.
- Exploring the Big Ideas:
o Notice the pattern: adding 0 doesnt change the quantity.
o Commutative property: the order of the addends doesnt change the sum (0+4
= 4+0).
o Addition: If one addend is 0, then nothing is being added or joined. If one part
is 0, then the other part must be equal to the whole.
o Subtraction: If nothing is being separated from a set, the quantity in the set
remains the same.

The goal is to reinforce the big ideas related to Adding 0 math facts so we can help
students develop addition and subtraction strategies.

- Understanding +0 facts:
o Literature: Gray Rabbits 1, 2, 3
o Acting out +0 facts: acting out problems is fun, engaging and visual. Students
can have fun acting 0 facts too. Acting out math facts is quick and simple, its
easy to find opportunities. The next step would be replacing real people with
manipulatives and adding a reflective component to the lesson ( What do you
notice about the sums? Is it easy or hard to add 0? Explain).

Providing students with concrete experiences, accompanied by symbolic representations,

and followed by opportunities to talk and write about their insights allows them to deepen
their understanding of the concept. (p.56)

o Part-Part-Whole Mats: students will quickly see that the sum is always the
same as the non-zero addend, because one part on their mat is always
empty.
o Adding 0 to Ten-Frames: identifying that +0 means adding nothing is a critical
understanding.
- Building Automaticity: students usually master +0 facts quickly. Adding 0 is not
changing the quantity at all. The sum will be the other addend. This understanding
makes automaticity with +0 facts a simple task.
o Practice
Paired practice: five-minute paired practice sessions provide quick
opportunities for students to work in pairs to revisit the facts. (Math
games)
Monitoring progress: fact checks where students can set personal
goals.