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!

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;)

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

  

Subtraction Bowling

Students practiced their subtraction skills by bowling in math centers!

**The following pictures show the recording sheet and two different bowling sets.**  

Students record their results.

Mini-Bowling Set (Purchased from Dollar Tree)

Lawn Bowling Set  (Purchased from Toys R Us, $3)

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 =(

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.