Teaching math doesn’t have to be stressful. Sometimes, all it takes is a few colorful cubes and a bit of creativity.

In this 3-minute video, I demonstrate a simple way to teach basic addition using a worksheet and a set of math cubes. It’s a hands-on strategy that helps children move from abstract numbers to concrete understanding — and it’s very easy to try at home.

A Visual Demonstration of Addition

In this demonstration, I use the example 8 + 1 from a basic worksheet (sums up to 10).

To make the numbers more visual, I place eight cubes — each a different color — on top of the number 8, and then add one more cube on top of the number 1.

I say, “Eight plus one… let’s see how many we have now.”
Then I count all the cubes aloud — first the eight, then the one — and combine the sets to reach the answer: nine.

This visual and tactile approach helps children see the process and understand what addition really means.

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Why This Method Works

Using physical objects like math cubes helps:

  • Build number sense

  • Support children who struggle with abstract concepts

  • Make math feel fun, not frustrating

Each color represents one unit, helping children track quantities and feel more confident as they count.

Free Worksheet to Practise at Home

To go along with this demo, I’ve created a free printable worksheet with simple addition problems (up to 10). You can download it and use the same method at home.

Download here.

Print it out, grab your cubes (or any small objects), and let your child experience the joy of discovering answers on their own.



Materials I Recommend

If you want to try this method yourself, here are the exact types of materials I use and recommend:

  • Math Linking Cubes (multicolored)
    Durable, colorful, and perfect for hands-on math activities.
    Buy on Amazon

  • Storage Box for Cubes
    Keeps everything organized and easy to grab for each lesson.
    Buy on Amazon

These are affiliate links — that means if you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this work.

Want More Ideas Like This?

If you’re looking for practical, real-world teaching tips, I share new content weekly on the blog.

Whether you’re homeschooling full-time or just looking to support your child’s learning, you’ll find:

  • Easy strategies that work

  • Free resources and worksheets

  • Reflections on learning, development, and inclusion

→ Explore more teaching ideas

Sometimes, a short demonstration is all it takes to unlock big learning.
This is one of the simplest ways to introduce addition — and it just works.