The + sign means plus, or put together. The − sign means minus, or take away. The = sign means equals, or the same as.
Nina has 3 stars. She finds 2 more stars. Now she has 5 stars. She writes 3 + 2 = 5.
The = sign does not just mean 'here is the answer.' It means both sides match. 3 + 2 is the same as 5.
Plus means put together, minus means take away, and equals means both sides match.
How do you read the + sign?