First, then, now (addition)

First, then, now addition stories

You can think of a number sentence a bit like a little story.

You can use first, then, now to add numbers together and understand their connection to each other.

Let's look at an example.

What happened 'first'?

'First' there were 2 blocks.

'Then' what happened?

'Then' you add 1 more.

How many are there 'now'?

'Now' there are 3 blocks altogether.

Look at the number sentence that goes with this story.

2 + 1 = 3

Activity: How to use first, then, now

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First, then, now

You can use 'First, then, now' to help you understand addition.

'First' tells you how many things you have to begin with.

'Then' tells you how many are added.

'Now' tells you how many there are altogether.

• 'First' there were 6 blocks.
• 'Then' you add 3 blocks.
• 'Now there are 9 blocks.

This can be written as a number sentence like this:

6 + 3 = 9

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3