Using Frogs for Addition and Subtraction

Here is a strategy I use to engage my students in using a number-line.  

When I first introduce the concept of using a number line as a tool to add and subtract, we pretend that we are frogs and hop forwards and backwards.  We go outside and I tell them to add 1 (they hop forward 1), subtract 3 (they hop backwards 3) etc.  Then we use sidewalk chalk to make number-lines.  After making our number-lines, we act like frogs again and hop forwards and backwards on our chalk-drawn number-lines.  They love this activity.

Now, I have always had the idea in the back of my head to find my own little frogs the students could use in class while they use their number-lines...but no luck....UNTIL, a few months ago while shopping in Walmart for party supplies, I FOUND THEM!  

Use frogs when adding (hopping forward) and subtracting (hopping backwards).  The students will be excited to use their number-lines!
Frogs were purchased from Walmart in the party/goodie bag section.
Number-Lines were purchased from Lakeshore and laminated for durability so students could write with Dry Erase Markers.  (These number-lines were the best thing I EVER purchased!)

We also play a game where all students start their frog on zero and I tell them to add 4 (hop forward), subtract 2 (hop backwards), add 7, subtract 2 etc. The students' goal is for their frog to land on the correct number.  They love this game.  It is great if you have some spare time.

I hope this gets you excited about NUMBER LINES!

Domino Addition Parking Lot

I discovered this game on Math Wire (amazing website, check it out).  However, I decided to make my own version with recording sheets.  My kids LOVED this activity and I was impressed that every student was able to do it successfully.  As always, the dots from the dominos make it self-correcting.  ;)

Materials

-Cardstock

-Dominos

Directions

-Print Parking Lot on Cardstock and Laminate

-Print Recording Sheet on Cardstock and Laminate

Domino Parking Lot Mat (Version #1)
Students place dominos in "parking spot" if the sum of the dots add-up to that number.

Domino Parking Lot Recording Sheet  (Version #1)
After printing recording sheet on cardstock, laminate so students can reuse.
Students write addition sentence using Dry Erase Markers. (when laminated)

Blank Domino Parking Lot Mat (Version #2)
Using permanent marker (you can erase using Magic eraser or hair spray) teacher can write the sum in each parking spot after mat is laminated.
Students place dominos in "parking spot" if the sum of the dots add-up to that number.

Domino Parking Lot Recording Sheet  (Version #2)
After printing recording sheet on cardstock, laminate so students can reuse.
Using permanent marker (you can erase using Magic eraser or hair spray) teacher can write the sum in each parking spot after mat is laminated.
Students write addition sentence using Dry Erase Markers. (when laminated)

FREE PRINTABLES

Domino Parking Lot Mats and Recording Sheets

Turkey Addition Strategy Center

I have loved seeing all the amazing Turkey ideas from other blogs.  I got this idea from The First Grade Parade.  I altered it because I wanted the students to focus on the addition skills: counting on and using a number line.

*Pictured Below- front of turkey/back of turkey*

Supplies

-30 Turkey Cut Outs (with no feathers)

-Feathers (preferably one color)

-Avery Labels Template #5160 (2 sheets of 30)

CLICK HERE FOR LABELS PAGE 1

CLICK HERE FOR LABELS PAGE 2

 

Directions

1.  Print addition problems and number lines. (click on link above)  

2.  Circle big number in yellow. (number you start with)

3.  Put dot on number line in yellow. (number you start with)

4.  Draw "hops" on number line in orange. (or whatever color feathers you choose)

5.  Put addition sentence on FRONT side of turkey.

6.  Put number line on BACK side of turkey. (self-correcting feature)

7.  Laminate turkeys for durability.

How to Play

1.  Child takes one turkey with addition problem facing up.  

2.  Puts the number of feathers they are "counting on" around the turkey.

3.  Check answer on the backside of the turkey.

4.  Record on recording sheet.

Turkey Addition Strategy Center: Count on using the turkey feathers. 

Turkey Addition Strategy Center: Students can self-correct using the number line on the back of turkey.
(Number lines are provided on print out above, however, you need add markings and answer)

UPDATED: Ladybug Addition Center (color-coded)

In a previous post, I included an addition center/activity printable and a math/art project.  Every year, I modify lessons or activities in hopes to (one day) reach perfection.  (Although, I know that day will never come.)  However, it doesn't hurt to try.  

The following are new printables (center-activity recording sheet & assessments) and a link to the first addition activity that was posted in a previous entry.  I hope this is self-explanatory and you are able to use!  HAPPY ADDING!

Click the link for new printables.

Ladybug Addition Activities & Ideas

Click the link for Ladybug Mats and Flashcards. 

Red Ladybug Mat and Flashcards

Yellow Ladybug Mat and Flashcards

Green Ladybug Mat and Flashcards

Orange Ladybug Mat and Flashcards 

Tip for Making Ladybug Dots

to Use with Mats

Spray paint counters!

Monkey Math

The search is over!  Lakeshore Learning carries Monkey Math, in store only.  After months of searching and people telling me they were sold out and it is only sold online, I found it!!!  I got the last 4 in the store.  I can't wait to use these next year in Math Centers to teach the concept of equality and reinforce addition.   

Hang an equal number of bananas on each hand.  If your addition is correct, the monkey's arms will be level and his eyes will look straight.  Love this self-correcting feature! 

 Click for recording sheet!

Beehive Buzz-Addition Style

I am trying to get a head start on next year. The following activity can be used for an early addition center. 

Addition Center Activity
Click for printables!

Fishy Math Facts Activity

I created another addition and subtraction activity. This one can be played in a variety of ways. At the end of the document are blank templates, so you can create whatever type of game you want.

 You might of noticed from previous activities I have shared, that I love color-coding or number coding my activities. This way students can work side-by-side and if they accidently mix-up the cards or if they just happen to find a missing piece on the floor, they know where it goes and what set it belongs. Also, each set is different.  If they finish one, they can do another. 

There are 4 sets of colored, addition fish and 4 sets of colored, subtraction fish.

Fish Mat

1 Example of a Recording Sheet.  There are multiple recording sheet options depending on the kind of game you play.
Click here for Fishy Facts Activity
(*Side note, something weird happened to my cover page when it was uploaded, however, you don't need to print this page or need it to play the game. I was just trying to be fancy;)

Ladybug Addition Center (color-coded)

Well, I know everyone has seen how to incorporate ladybugs into addition.  I decided to take my ladybug center and color-code it, so students can work side-by-side and not mix-up the addition cards. Normally, I number the cards, but decided to use colors for this one because ladybugs are NOT just red.

  CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING FOR PRINTABLES!

Red Addition Ladybug

Yellow Addition Ladybug

Orange Addition Ladybug

Green Addition Ladybug

Self-Correcting Math Flowers

You can never have too many addition & subtraction center activities.  I heard of this activity awhile ago (before the era of blogging became popular). You can use this self-correcting concept for pretty much any skill.  

I put addition problems on the flower and buried under the pinto beans is the answer.  Students can use a recording sheet to write the problem and check themselves with the answer.  Surprisingly, my students do not cheat on self-correcting activities where they know how to find the answer.  Seeing if they get it right is half the fun!  

4 Sets of Self-Correcting Math Flowers featuring 10 different addition problems on one side and 10 different subtraction problems on the other.  A grand total of 80 different math problems!!!  (Materials= popsicle sticks painted green, foam flowers, pinto beans, glue, maker, Jiffy Strips from Walmart)

Self-Correcting Feature

  

Spider Addition

Spider Mat (MathWire.com), Foam Dice (Dollar Tree), Egg (Walmart), Mini-Spiders (Party City)

Math Flowers

Spring is just around the corner and it would only seem fitting that my math centers reflect the new season change. I bought these flower cut-outs from Dollar Tree (2 for a dollar).  

Each flower has 6 petals (3 addition facts+ 3 subtraction facts)  They are self-correcting on the back of each petal.  I made 16 flowers w/ different answers in the center.

Here is a close-up of the self-correcting feature on the back.  I put mini hearts on the back of this flower b/c the flower belongs to the heart bag.  There are 4 bags (heart, lightning, smiley face, star) with 4 flowers in each.  Keep in mind every flower is different, so if a student is done with the "heart" bag, they can work on the "star" bag.  This makes the center activity longer and differentiated.

Fact Family Activities

The following are some fact family activities.  Since fact families are a tricky concept to learn, we start by doing this activity in pairs during whole group.  Therefore, I can better assist before it goes into their math workstations.  


**When you change the counters, the kids think they are playing a whole new game.  So, I change-up what we use (tiles, cubes, buttons, etc.) and the number.**

I use this to practice addition and/or fact families.

I use this to practice subtraction and/or fact families.

I use this to practice fact families.  I also have the fake, red and white beans that you can buy at any school store.  The ones above were no fun to make and I would suggest purchasing them.  I learned my lesson the hard way =(

Addition Art~Ladybug Style ; )

Addition Puzzles

These are easy to make for any skill (addition, subtraction, tally marks, words, sentences etc) and are self-correcting.  These are my addition puzzles.  Don't forget to number them on the back, so your puzzles will not get mixed-up with each others.

Stamp a Story Problem

I use this center activity when we are just learning about addition.  You can get creative with a variety of different stamps.  It is self-correcting and differentiated according to their academic level. (can be challenging or simple)   


CLICK HERE FOR THE RECORDING SHEET!

Math Playing Card Mats

You can get these card mats from The School Bell or you can make them yourself.  This is another wonderful self-correcting activity.  

Domino Addition

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECORDING SHEET!