Early Childhood Lessons Teach Tough Love And The Real Meaning Behind Infinity

When little kids need a number line to do 1+3, it's because grasping that it's the same as 3+1 is just too hard.
And yes, 0+0 is much bigger than that. How do you explain to a 2-footer that it really is nothing+nothing?
A number line.
That's how.

"Free plus free is..fo? No. Let me see da white bode. Free...fo..five..six...seben..no. SIX! Six? Six!!" (Waves celebratory digits about)

"Okay. Watch me make da free"
"I'm watching"
"See? Make two bumps. Like dis."
"Oops, that's backwards, try again"
"Oh yeah. I knew dat. [Erasing] Dis eraser is sorta soapy."
"Soapy?"
"Yes. Dat's why it made that yellow line."
"Ohh.."
"Yeah. Okay I'm going to draw lollipops."
"Wait, what about the three?"
"Will you put me inside your coat?"
"Errrm..."
"You're my best friend."
"Do you want red stars for the ones you got right?"
"I love you."