Learning Map
MathematicsAddition & Subtractionusually ages 5–6

Reading +, −, and = symbols

Read, write, and interpret the symbols +, −, and = in number sentences

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

🖨 Print this page to keep the checklist — it prints beautifully.

Try this together

If you write '4 + 3 = 7' on paper, can your child tell you what the plus sign, minus sign, and equals sign each mean?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on
Addition as combining or putting together twoages 4–6Reading/writing the + symbol requires understanding what addition means
Subtraction as taking away or separatingages 4–6Reading/writing the − symbol requires understanding what subtraction means
Reading and writing numbers to 20ages 5–6Writing number sentences requires reading and writing numerals
Reading +, −, and = symbolsthis skill · ages 5–6
Unlocks
What the equals sign meansages 6–7Deep understanding of = requires already being able to read and write number sentences
Connecting Representationsages 6–7Connecting representations to number sentences requires fluency with +, -, = symbols
Reading ×, ÷, and = Symbolsages 6–7Reading × and ÷ symbols parallels reading + and − symbols
Understanding fractionsages 6–7Writing fraction sentences (1/2 of 6 = 3) requires understanding the = sign

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

Show candidate curriculum codes · 3 ACARA · 2 NSW · 1 VIC

Australian Curriculum v9 candidate

AC9M2N04medium confidenceYear 2 · Number

add and subtract one- and two-digit numbers, representing problems using number sentences and solve using part-part-whole reasoning and a variety of calculation strategies

AC9MFN05low confidenceFoundation · Number

represent practical situations involving addition, subtraction and quantification with physical and virtual materials and use counting or subitising strategies

AC9M2A02low confidenceYear 2 · Algebra

recall and demonstrate proficiency with addition facts to 20; extend and apply facts to develop related subtraction facts

NSW syllabus codes & stages only

MA1-RWN-01medium confidenceMathematics K-10 · Stage 1
MAE-RWN-01low confidenceMathematics K-10 · Early Stage 1

Victorian Curriculum 2.0 codes & levels only

VC2M2N04low confidenceMathematics · Level 2 · Number strand

These are candidate alignments generated by semantic matching — machine-suggested and unreviewed (v0.1), not official or verified mappings. For official curriculum content see australiancurriculum.edu.au, curriculum.nsw.edu.au and f10.vcaa.vic.edu.au. Don’t rely on them for registration or compliance purposes.

Nearby on the map

Adding and subtractingages 5–6 Early Word Problemsages 5–7 Fluent adding and subtracting within 5ages 5–6 Number bondsages 5–6

All Addition & Subtraction skills →