Add One Subtract One Game

📝 This post, Add One Subtract One Game,” was originally published in 2014 and has been updated with new information and resources.

Adding one and subtracting one might sound simple — but it is one of the most important math skills you can teach young learners! Keep reading to find out why — and to grab a fun game to practice it!

Why Teach Add One and Subtract One

Have you ever watched a young child count out loud, carefully touching each object one by one? It is one of the sweetest things to witness! But as children grow as mathematicians, we want them to move beyond counting everything from the beginning every single time. That is where adding one and subtracting one comes in!

When children understand that adding one simply means the next number and subtracting one means the number right before it, it is a total game-changer! Instead of counting all over again, they can just move forward or backward by one. Simple, right? But incredibly powerful!

The good news? Practicing adding and subtracting one is easy and fun — and your students will feel so proud when they realize they can do it quickly and confidently!

Add One Subtract One Game

Materials Needed

✔️Add One, Subtract One Game FREE Template
✔️scissors
✔️pencil
✔️dice (optional)

Preparing the Add One Subtract One Game

✔️Download and print the Add One Subtract One cards and recording sheet

✔️Cut the cards apart, shuffle, and lay them face down near the players.

How to Play:

✏️ Players draw a card and record the number in the first column on the recording sheet.

✏️ Players then add 1 to that number and record the result; they subtract 1 from the original number and record that result as well.

Options for Play:

💡Play with a partner. Take turns picking and recording.

💡Use a die instead of a card. The more sides the die has, the more challenging the game is.

💡Provide a number line or 100s Chart for students who need more support

I love this game because it is so simple to prep, easy to play, and builds confidence quickly.” If you are interested in +/-5, +/-10, and Mixed Practice, click the link below! Perfect for differentiation.

Grab the Expanded and Updated Version of the Add One Subtract One Game from TPT!

How do you practice adding one and subtracting one in your classroom? Share your ideas in the comments below!”