She is beginning fourth grade but still has to add to find the answer. There are two reasons most children have difficulty with math. Either they lack understanding of the concept in a real or concrete way, or they have developed a block that causes them to panic and not be able to think clearly. Fortunately, both can be addressed by using manipulatives.
Teachers use small objects called manipulatives to introduce new math concepts.
In the classroom, manipulatives may be sets of brightly colored stacking blocks, miniature plastic people or a collection of tiny animals. You have manipulatives at home as well. A set of building blocks, cars or game tokens from other toys will work. Or raid your kitchen. Some of the best math lessons use crackers, a bag of pretzels or dried cereal.