Learning Activity

Balloons

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

K

Overview

This learning activity introduces a numberless word problem that asks students to write an addition word problem. The task involves students exploring combinations of numbers that make ten. The students will start with "what do we know" and end with "how many could be." The activity will allow students to have multiple correct responses.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): KG

MA19.K.8

Represent addition and subtraction up to 10 with concrete objects, fingers, pennies, mental images, drawings, claps or other sounds, acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.K.8

Vocabulary

  • Expression
  • Equation

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to represent addition and subtraction using models, pictures or symbolic representations.
  • how to explain representations of quantities.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Represent quantities and operations physically, pictorially, or symbolically.
  • Use informational and mathematical language to communicate the connections among addition and subtraction.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • both putting together and adding to can be viewed as addition.
  • both taking apart and taking from can be viewed as subtraction.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

I can represent addition and subtraction up to ten using a model and by writing an equation.

Activity Details

The teacher will display the slideshow Balloons. The slideshow displays the problem in pieces. The teacher will read each slide, while the students listen to the problems unfold and think about what is happening and what the task might instruct them to do. The students will write answers to the questions that arise on each slide on a piece of paper or in their math journals. The teacher will ask the students to share their answers to each slide and he/she will record the answers on a whiteboard or chart paper. On slide five, the students will be asked to solve a problem by using counters (red and yellow circles or tiles) to model the possible solutions. The students will build models to represent combinations that make ten. The students will conclude the lesson by writing equations that match their models.

 

Essential questions are on each slide. A teacher slide for sample debriefing is included.

Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will observe students' responses to determine their understanding of the concept and skill. The teacher can use the following guidelines to ensure students meet the learning objective.

Check that the student:

  1. can use a strategy to add up to ten.
  2. can build a concrete model to represent their thinking.
  3. can write an equation to represent their thinking.
  4. can count on, rather than counting each object.

Variation Tips

This activity can use a lower quantity to accommodate struggling learners or a higher quantity to extend student learning.

Related Learning Activities

Learning Activity (Before)

How Many More to Make Ten?

Learning Activity (During)

Balloons

Learning Activity (After)

Putting It Together

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need the following items:

  • computer and projector to display the slideshow
  • whiteboard or chart paper to record student thinking
  • counters or color tiles (2 colors)
  • paper or math journals for student responses
  • pencils for each student

Digital Tools / Resources

Balloons Slideshow
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18WGH-eYtwMo8POwrXimMFLb8eKZkFM19u6f4e3c…

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

mfrye
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