Reading +, −, and = symbols
Read, write, and interpret the symbols +, −, and = in number sentences
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Teaching Table · Reviewed guide
Set out your lesson
“Plus means put together. Minus means take away. Equals means both sides are the same amount—not a button that means “write the answer.””
Bring to the table
- Paper and marker
- 8 large counters or blocks
- Ready cards: 3 + 2 = 5, 5 − 2 = 3, 4 + 3 = 7
Full guide and materials
- Paper and marker
- 8 large counters or blocks
- Ready cards: 3 + 2 = 5, 5 − 2 = 3, 4 + 3 = 7
- Step 1. Show 3 + 2 = 5. Build 3 counters, add 2, and say “three plus two equals five” and “3 is the same as 5 only after we added 2.”
- Step 2. Show 5 − 2 = 3. Start with 5, remove 2, and say “five minus two equals three.”
- Step 3. Point to = and practice the phrase “is the same as.”
- Step 4. Have your child write one new addition sentence that matches a counter story you act out.
- Quick check. Success means your child correctly names plus, minus, and equals on a written sentence and builds at least one matching addition or subtraction situation with counters.
Worked example. 4 + 3 = 7 read aloud as “four plus three equals seven.” The equals sign says both sides name the same amount.
Optional challenge. Read 6 = 4 + 2 and explain why it is still true even though the total is written first.
What to notice. Save a photo of one built sentence with counters or a parent note quoting how your child explained equals.
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
1 approach
Plus means put together. Minus means take away. Equals means both sides are the same amount—not a button that means “write the answer.”
Spend about 10 minutes reading three ready number sentences, building them with objects, and saying what each symbol means.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
Reviewed external links that reinforce this concept. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
Topmarks · Practice link — not the full lesson
Addition To 10
Supplemental symbol practice: read and complete equations that display +, − is not used here, and =. Pair with adult talk about what each symbol means.
Free · no login · ads
Review and open practice
Save a screenshot of a completed equation and a parent note that the learner pointed to + and = and explained each mark.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Open practice (new tab)Source, access and review notes
Supplemental symbol practice: read and complete equations that display +, − is not used here, and =. Pair with adult talk about what each symbol means.
Save a screenshot of a completed equation and a parent note that the learner pointed to + and = and explained each mark.
Free · no login · ads
Unknown — link only
Topmarks · Practice link — not the full lesson
Subtraction To 10
Supplemental symbol practice for − and = in take-away equations within 10.
Free · no login · ads
Review and open practice
Save a screenshot of a completed subtraction equation and a parent note that the learner explained the minus and equals signs.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Open practice (new tab)Source, access and review notes
Supplemental symbol practice for − and = in take-away equations within 10.
Save a screenshot of a completed subtraction equation and a parent note that the learner explained the minus and equals signs.
Free · no login · ads
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Read 3 + 2 = 5 aloud as 'three plus two equals five'
- Write a number sentence to match a concrete addition situation
- Interpret the = sign as 'is the same as' rather than just 'the answer is'
“If you write '4 + 3 = 7' on paper, can your child tell you what the plus sign, minus sign, and equals sign each mean?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Language
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Addition & Subtraction
- Age range
- Ages 5–6
Standards