What does the method of counting on involve?

Counting on is a mathematical strategy that entails starting at a specific number and progressively adding units to reach a desired total. This method is particularly useful in helping students understand addition concepts and develop number sense. For instance, if a student is asked to add 3 + 5, they might start at the number 3 and count upwards: 4 (one), 5 (two), 6 (three), and then arrive at the total of 8. This technique emphasizes the idea of building upon a known quantity, which reinforces counting skills and the understanding of addition.

Other approaches like starting at zero and adding units would be less efficient for certain calculations, particularly with larger numbers. Similarly, subtracting to reach a second number doesn't align with the principle of addition and instead introduces a different operation. Listing numbers sequentially is more about enumeration rather than directly addressing the addition process, which is the focus of counting on.