Learning Activity

Introducing Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

1

Overview

This learning activity is a great introduction for problem-solving using addition and subtraction to solve word problems within 20.

The video uses relatable objects, a friendly robot guide, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. It includes the use of addition and subtraction strategies like counting on and how much more.

The video is engaging and offers 4 methods for adding and subtracting in a word problem. Students have the ability to add to or take from, and compare quantities to solve word problems within 20 like fewer or more than.

Students will follow along with the video using small concrete objects and illustrations to represent the word problems from the video. 

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 1

MA19.1.1

Use addition and subtraction to solve word problems within 20 by using concrete objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.1.1

Vocabulary

  • Change unknown
  • Put together
  • Take apart
  • Compare

Knowledge

Students know:
  • addition and subtraction strategies and models.
  • how to form an equation.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • represent quantities and operations (addition & subtraction) with concrete objects, pictorially, or symbolically.
  • Use informal and mathematical language to communicate the representations.
  • Accurately compute sums and differences.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • addition is both putting together and adding to. subtraction is taking apart, taking from, and comparisons.
  • Mathematical problems can be solved using a variety of strategies. models, and representations.
  • variables in the form of blanks, boxes, or letters, represent unknown quantities when representing mathematical situations algebraically.

Phase

Before/Engage
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

The students will be able to:
- use a variety of representations to solve word problems.
- justify and explain answers using concrete objects and drawings.

Activity Details

  1. Show the video, Addition Subtraction Under 20 - 1st Grade Math Videos for Kids to engage students and introduce them to the variety of ways to solve word problems.
  2. The video demonstrates how to read and identify important operations in a word problem.
  3. Pause the video to discuss operational key words and allow students to ask questions.
  4. Pass out two different colored small concrete objects (counters, counting bears, buttons, etc.).
  5. Replay the video pausing between each word problem to allow time to use the small concrete objects (counters, counting bears, buttons, etc.) to represent the problem.
  6. Replay the video a 3rd time.
  7. Pause the video for each problem and ask students to identify the numbers being used.
  8. Have students explain the operation used (addition or subtraction).
  9. The students will illustrate the word problem in their journals/paper by drawing pictures of the object (hats, kittens, etc.) used in the video.
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will walk around and observe students' work as they use small objects to represent the word problems.

Check students' illustrations for an understanding of the word problem and which operation was used.

Intervention

This learning activity could be completed individually or with a partner.

Struggling students can be paired with a stronger partner.

Related Learning Activities

Learning Activity (After)

Drawing a Formative and Summative Assessment for Word Problems

Materials and Resources

Materials and Resources

The teacher will need:

  • the video Addition and Subtraction of Word Problems 
  • an internet-connected device
  • two different colored small concrete objects for each student
  • Journal/paper for each student to draw along with the video to illustrate each word problem. (Video has students draw to solve each problem.)

Digital Tools / Resources

Addition Subtraction Under 20 - 1st Grade Math Videos for Kids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDP0mbsVX9A

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

dcaress2
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