Learning Activity

Getting Ready to Snap...Making Numbers

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

1

Overview

This learning activity is a teacher-led introduction to composing numbers and to building number sense foundation.  It will provide students with a visual using literature.  It will provide opportunities for a rich discussion about making numbers and provide time to introduce mathematical vocabulary.  The discussion and recording of events from the book will help demonstrate ways to compose numbers in different ways.  It is helpful to use this before playing interactive games that help with composing and decomposing numbers.  

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 1

MA19.1.5

Relate counting to addition and subtraction.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.1.5

Vocabulary

  • Number paths

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to count on or count back from a given number within 20.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Explain counting strategies for addition and subtraction.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • counting patterns can be used to find solutions in addition and subtraction situations.
  • A variety of models and tools can be used to communicate justifications for mathematical ideas and solutions.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 1

MA19.1.6

Add and subtract within 20.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.1.6

Vocabulary

  • Fluency

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Strategies for finding sums and differences within 20.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use addition and subtraction strategies.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Addition and subtraction strategies can be used to compute sums and differences, and how.

Phase

Before/Engage
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • The student will add within 20 to make a number in different ways.
  • The student will use relationships between addition and subtraction.
  • The student will listen to the book read orally and discuss the different ways to make a number.
  • The student will justify and explain their strategies to others that were used to make a number. 

Activity Details

  1. Gather students on the floor so that the book can be seen and heard.
  2. Use the link to access the book "12 Ways to get to 11".  Ask students "Why do you think the author named this book "12 ways to get to 11"?, What do you think will happen in the book?".  
  3. Be prepared to stop during the book to discuss and record on the chart paper the different ways the author makes 11.
  4. After reading the book, discuss what is recorded on the chart.  Ask "Do you see any patterns?, How did they find all these ways to make a number?, Do you think this can be done with other numbers?, How many addends are in these equations?, Do you think there are more ways to make 11?"
  5. Explain to the students that today, we are going to learn how to snap (break) a cube train into two parts to make the number 11.  Ask "If we break our cube train into 2 parts, how many addends will we have in our equation?". 
  6. Send the students to their seats. Give each student a snap cube train with 11 cubes. 
  7. Instruct the students to break the cube train into two parts.  Discuss how many are in each part.  Record the equations on the board.  Discuss this is another strategy to use when making numbers.
  8. The students will continue to practice independently by snapping their cube trains into 2 parts to make 11 and writing an equation that goes with their cube train.
  9. After working independently for a few minutes, gather on the floor, and record the different ways the students made the number 11.  Ask these questions, "Do you see any patterns?"  Do any of your equations have the same addends? How can you use subtraction to find a way to make 11?  Do they still equal 11?, Can you figure out another way to make 11 without snap cubes that is not on your paper?, How could we do this?"
  10. Explain to the students that they will continue to make numbers in different ways using different strategies.  This activity will prepare them for a game of "Snap to It".
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

  • Can the student find a way to make the number?
  • Can the student write an equation?
  • Can the student notice patterns within the equations?
  • Can the student identify an addend? an equation?
  • Can the student explain their thinking?
  • Can the student develop other strategies to make numbers?

Variation Tips

  • Choose a different number for the class to compose.
  • Give every student different numbers to compose.
  • The students can work in groups to make a number using more than 2 addends, addition, and subtraction.  Record the group's ways on the chart.
  • Continue to engage students in making numbers to build fluency and mathematical understanding.

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

  • Connect to the link for the book.
  • Gather chart paper and markers for recording.
  • Prepare questions to ask students to check for understanding.
  • Prepare 11 snap cubes for each student.
  • Be sure every student has a Math journal or paper for recording.

Digital Tools / Resources

Read Aloud of Book
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JacxzjHGRB0

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

kimhenderson
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