Zero
Remember it is important to teach the concept involved when teaching math especially to student whom are having problems. It is a good idea to use a huge exaggeration as an example, ask the student what is one trillion plus zero or one zillion minus one. This will usually produce a giggle.

One
Adding one to a number is just the next number in the number line. I am always amazed at how hard it is for some students to add and subtract one. Prompt with a "What number comes next?" comment.
Subtracting one from a number is just the number that comes before in the number line. "What number comes before?"

Two
Most students can count by twos, if they can't then show them that counting by two is just skipping a number. 2, skip 3, 4, skip 5, 6 skip 7. It is a good idea to count by twos orally whenever you can. Make it a game: count by 2s then say a nursery rhyme or say the alphabet, repeat using a different nursery rhyme, etc.

Three and Four
Use the points of the 3 and the 4 to count up or down to find the answer. One common problem is that students want to count the first number starting at one. For example, 4 + 3, students want to say 1,2,3,4,5,6,7. Stop them and point to the top number and say it, then continue to count up using the three points on the 3. 4, 5, 6, 7. This does two things: they stop using their fingers which stops them from counting both numbers instead of just adding-on to the top number; secondly it speeds up the whole operation which is critical especially as math gets more complicated for older students. It is a good idea to count backwards orally whenever you can. Make it a game: count backwards from ten then continue as in #3 above.

See our Math Fact Series to teach math basic math facts.

Together, we can teach all kids,
Linda.