Kindergarten Math: Compose and Decompose to 5
Kindergarten math: composing and decomposing means seeing a small number as two parts: 5 breaks into 4 and 1, 3 and 2, or 5 and 0, and those parts put back together make 5 again. It is addition and subtraction before the signs are introduced. 136 printable worksheets, first three free.
Practice pages support a program; they are not the lesson. These sheets reinforce Building Number Sense Kindergarten, the sequenced K–5 math series from Faith Thinkers. See every program →
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Teaching Compose and Decompose to 5
What it is
Composing and decomposing means seeing a small number as two parts: 5 breaks into 4 and 1, 3 and 2, or 5 and 0, and those parts put back together make 5 again. It is addition and subtraction before the signs are introduced.
When a child is ready
Start when the child counts to five accurately and can tell how many are in a small group without recounting.
If they struggle
Hold five counters, hide some in one hand and show the rest, and ask how many are hidden. Then work the other direction: bring both hands together and ask how many there are altogether, so the child watches the same pair break apart and rebuild. Stay on 4 and 5 until both directions come without counting.
Worksheet preview
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