All Concept Journeys

Concept Journey

Addition Journey: Put Groups Together

Early Level

See two parts, move them together and count how many there are altogether.

For the teacher or grown-up

A teacher or grown-up can help the child move real counters together and count the total before showing symbols.

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Robo Buddy maths buddy

Journey guide

Robo Buddy

Your Maths Buddy is here to guide this journey.

Keep going

Explore each step, then keep going when you are ready.

Step 1 of 8

See Two Parts

Notice a 3-counter part and a separate 2-counter part.

Explore

Look first

See Two Parts

Notice the two separate parts before joining them.

Tap each part and notice how many counters it has.

The parts are separate. We will join them next.

Explore the cards, then mark this step as explored.

Teacher and parent: why this journey matters

This journey moves from explore, notice and talk into building, representing, reasoning and checking. It supports CfE learning now while preparing for the refreshed curriculum direction.

  • Addition as joining
  • Cardinality and counting altogether
  • Part-part-whole structure
  • Early number bonds
  • Picture, language and symbols
Teacher notes and planning metadata

Big Idea

Putting groups together makes a new total.

Know

  • two groups can join
  • the total tells how many altogether
  • 2 and 3 make 5

Understand

  • two parts can make one whole
  • counting the joined group finds the total
  • pictures and symbols can show the same addition story

Do

  • join two groups
  • build and count a total
  • connect a picture to 3 + 2 = 5

Representations

real objects, counters, part-whole model, number sentence

Misconceptions

  • The total includes counters from both groups.
  • Counters should be counted once after the groups join.
  • The plus sign connects the same joining story shown in the picture.

Progression

Counting small groups and matching numerals to amounts.

Using addition facts, number bonds and symbols with growing fluency.

Curriculum links

  • Builds early addition through concrete joining, part-part-whole structure and connected representations.
  • Use real counters and physically join the groups first.
  • Ask how many altogether after the movement is clear.
  • Introduce the written sum only after the picture and language are secure.