• The Adult:"How much is two plus two more?"
• The Adult:"How much is one plus one plus one?"
• The Adult:"How many stones would you have if I put five stones here," placing a hand on the Child's left leg, "and four stones here," placing a hand on the Child's right leg.
• "How much is six plus two?" and "how much is two plus six?"

      This is an addition game played without concrete objects. It can and should be played before a child adds with pencil and paper and also at times when pencil and paper are not available.

      For the young child, it is a companion game to SHOW ME, but STONES ON MY LEGS is definitely the more difficult.

      The dialogue below takes place on a long plane ride. The Child is a young five year old who has played SHOW ME.

      The Adult: "Aprila, how much is two plus two more?"

      Aprila: "Four."

      The Adult: "How much is one plus one plus one?"

      Aprila thinks, then replies, "Three."

      The Adult: "How many stones would you have if I put five stones here," placing a hand on the child's left leg, "and four stones here," placing a hand on the child's right leg.

      Aprila is silent, then asks, "Nine?"

      The Adult: "That's right. You're pretty good at this game. How much is six plus two more?"

      Aprila: "Put the stones on my legs."

      The Adult places a hand on the child's right leg saying, "Six," then places a hand on the child's other leg saying, "two."

      Aprila: "Eight."

      Until a child knows well the addition facts or understands that numbers may be added in any order, "how much is six plus two?" is an easier question than "how much is two plus six?" Both questions should be asked.