Unit 5- Number Games and Crayon Problems

Students will be working on adding and subtracting numbers to 20 in many different contexts, with the goal being fluency with addition and subtraction problems within 10. Students encounter new kinds of story problems, and think a lot about the notation mathematicians use for addition and subtraction. 

Activities to Try at Home 

Tens Go Fish The object of the game is to find pairs of number cards that equal 10. Deal 5 Primary Number Cards to each player. Leave the rest in a pile. Any player who can make 10 with 2 of those cards puts them aside and draws 2 more. Then take turns asking each other for a card. For example, if you have a 3, you might ask your child, “Do you have a 7?” If you get a 7, make a pair and put them down. Then draw a card from the deck. If your child does not give you a 7, “go fish” and draw the top card from the deck. Your turn ends when you cannot make a 10. (We will also be playing this game in school so your child may be able to teach you.) 

How Many Am I Hiding? Lay out 10 small objects and ask your child to count them. Then, while your child covers his or her eyes, hide some of the objects. Show your child the objects that are not hidden and ask, “How many am I hiding?” Encourage your child to explain her or his thinking. After playing a few rounds, you can change the total number (from 6 to 12 total) and start again. 

Telling and Solving Story Problems Look for addition and subtraction situations at home. For example, say, “If we have 4 apples, 8 bananas, and 7 plums in the fruit bowl, how many pieces of fruit do we have?” or “If you have 20 pennies and you spend 15 pennies, how many do you have left?” “We have 8 people coming for dinner. We have only 6 chairs. How many more do we need?” Encourage your child to make up story problems for you too!