Adding numbers in columns.

Young children like to do the things that they're expected to do. So when they're expected to do calculations involving the addition of the single digits, such as 5 + 4 = that is what they do. However, they get imprinted with the idea that sums have this form. It is a stress for them when they are asked to add with the numbers presented to them vertically. As this is the way in which numbers are added in the real world, it would make sense to present them to children in this form from the start. Since our number system operates on position values based on the column in which the digit is placed why would we present children with numbers arranged horizontally. Nevertheless, we do, and children will come across additions arranged in this manner, so it is important that they be introduced to this arrangement of numeerals, but it really should be a cursory introduction, and children moved onto numbers arranged in columns as quickly as possible. Puppet Maths will introduce your child to adding numbers presented horizontally, but will quickly move them on to adding in columns before they become imprinted with numbers presented horizontally as being the "right" way for an addition.