Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently add and subtract numbers up to 20 using fun activities and games.
Materials and Prep
- Pencil and paper
- Counting objects (such as buttons, coins, or small toys)
- Printed addition and subtraction worksheets (optional)
Prior knowledge required: Basic understanding of numbers and counting.
Activities
- Counting Objects Game: Gather a small pile of counting objects. Ask the student to count them and write down the number. Then, add or remove a few objects and ask the student to count again and write down the new number. Repeat this activity a few times, encouraging the student to use addition or subtraction to find the new total.
- Addition and Subtraction Race: Draw a simple race track on a piece of paper, divided into lanes. Create addition and subtraction problems (e.g., 5 + 3, 8 - 2) and write the answers on small pieces of paper. Place the problems and answers randomly along the race track. The student will roll a dice and move their game piece along the track. When they land on a problem, they solve it and move forward or backward according to the answer. The first one to reach the finish line wins!
- Math Story Time: Create a simple addition and subtraction story using objects or drawings. For example, "There were 5 birds on a tree. 2 birds flew away. How many birds are left?" Encourage the student to act out the story using objects or drawings and solve the problem using addition or subtraction.
First Grade Talking Points
- "Addition is when we put things together, and subtraction is when we take things away."
- "We can use numbers to help us add and subtract."
- "When we add, the numbers get bigger."
- "When we subtract, the numbers get smaller."
- "We can use objects or drawings to help us understand addition and subtraction."
- "Sometimes we need to count backwards when subtracting."
- "Practicing addition and subtraction can make us better at math!"