Children begin by learning the positions of the dots on each number from 1 to 9
according to the specified pattern. Once the task of touching and counting the dots in the
correct order on the nine numbers has been mastered instruction begins with the most
basic type of addition problems, single-digit problems. Children are taught to begin with
the first number, count all the dots on that number and then continue counting the dots on
the second number until all the dots have been counted. For example, when adding 4 + 5,
children are taught first to count the dots on the 4 and then to continue counting the dots
on the 5 until all nine dots have been touched and counted. Children are also encouraged
to repeat the problem and its solution aloud once it has been solved. When children
successfully master this task the dots are removed from the largest number (faded) and
they are then taught to add by identifying the largest number, saying its name, and
continuing to count-on from that number in order to find the solution. For example, when
adding 4 + 5, the child learns to point to the largest number, say its name, in this case 5,
and continue counting the dots on the 4. Once children have successfully learned to
count-on from the largest number using the dot-notation method, all dots are faded and