These free Adding 0 to 5 worksheets help young learners understand one of the first important rules of addition: adding zero does not change a number. The printable activity uses simple numbers and visual examples so preschool and kindergarten students can see what happens when nothing is added to a group.
What Does Adding Zero Mean?
In addition, zero represents “nothing more.” If a child has 3 apples and adds 0 apples, there are still 3 apples. In math, this idea is known as the identity property of addition:
Any number + 0 = the same number.
This worksheet introduces that rule with numbers from 0 to 5. The visual example shows objects on one side and an empty group on the other, helping children connect the number sentence to something they can actually see.
How to Use the Adding 0 Worksheet
Ask your child or student to count the first group of objects, notice that the second group contains zero objects, and then solve the addition problem. Encourage them to say the rule aloud: “Adding zero keeps the number the same.”
Teachers can use this printable during a kindergarten math center, small-group lesson or independent practice. Parents can also print it for a quick at-home introduction to basic addition.
Build the Next Addition Skills
After children understand adding zero, move on to our Adding 1 Worksheets to practice the “one more” rule. You can also try our Ways to Make 5 Worksheet for early number-bond practice.
For more early math activities, browse our complete Addition Worksheets collection.
Download the Adding 0 to 5 worksheet PDF below and give young learners a simple first step toward confident addition.