Step by step addition and subtraction

My son enjoys math but has always struggled with quickly recalling addition and subtraction facts. So, when we were able to review Step-by-Step Math: Addition and Subtraction Facts Book I honestly did not have a lot of hope. However, I was wrong, and I am extremely happy to admit that!

This is a spiral-bound, consumable book (though the flashcards ARE reusable). There is no fluff to this, but my son loves it and is getting it for the first time! There are about 135 pages of work plus an answer key and flashcards.

Step-by-Step Math takes you through each addition and subtraction from adding and subtracting with 0, 1, and 2 through 14. It only uses one thing at a time until the child knows them well such as 1+0=1, 0+1=1, 2+0=2, 0+2=2. It teaches that addition is reversible and practices this constantly. This was a HUGE benefit with my son because for some reason he never could get that.

After they learn a set of numbers with addition then it switches to using those numbers with subtraction. So, for example, the child would then learn 1-0=1, 2-0=2. The problems are shown in multiple formats such as horizontal, vertical, tables, wheels, and word problems.

After each completed section there are the corresponding flashcards listed to study. The flashcards are in the back and must be torn at the perforated lines. We keep ours in a zippered bag for easy use. They have the answer on the back for each problem. The answer key to all the pages is in the back of the book.

There are multiple practices for each set of numbers and at the end of each. Before the child moves on, they are to complete a timed assessment. The goal is to answer them all in under five minutes. We usually do these orally.

They learn to quickly add and subtract doubles then move on to one number different than doubles. This was an "aha" moment for my son because before he would have to count them. Once he figured out the doubles the one number different such as 6+5=11 was simple! I am super excited about this because I believe with this firm foundation he will excel as we progress. We are currently using this curriculum four to five times per week.

I am extremely impressed with the progress my son has made while using this book and I plan to use this system with each of my children. Its price is $19.99 which is a tremendous value for the price! If preferred an e-book is also available. A certificate of completion is provided at the end of the book.

Product review by Jenny Underwood, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, October 2020