TDSB Mathematics for Families & Caregivers

Abstraction

Overview

Abstraction is the idea that a quantity can be represented by different things (e.g., 5 can be represented by 5 like objects, by 5 different objects, by 5 invisible things [5 ideas], or by 5 points on a line).

Abstraction is a complex concept but one that most students come to understand quite easily. Some students, however, may think groups of larger items hold more value than smaller items (e.g., the quantity of 5 cars is more than 5 candies).

While students are learning the counting principles, these principles, such as abstraction, are important foundational skills that must be consolidated into a strong understanding. You will find that many of the counting principles are interconnected. Once students have a solid understanding of the counting principles, many of them will become key ideas that support students as they develop addition/subtraction strategies for learning mathematics.

Supporting Students with Abstraction

To support students in learning the concept of abstraction, provide them with many opportunities to count sets of non-tangible items like steps, words, claps, etc. Some students would benefit from comparing different groups of objects in different sizes to see which has more (e.g., compare a group of 2 large blocks, and 3 centicubes, and ask which group has more).

Games to Promote Abstraction

Domino Matching

In this version of dominoes, students will be looking for parts on the domino cards that make a "match" (e.g., one part that shows a number of objects and the other that shows that same quantity represented with different objects).

Abstraction Domino game instructions (English)

Abstraction Domino Cards (BLM) (English)

Abstraction Memory Match

In this version of the game, students will be looking for a pair of cards that make a "match", one that shows a number value represented by objects in an image and the other that shows that same quantity represented with different objects in an image.

Abstraction Memory Match instructions (English)

Abstraction Memory Match Cards (English)

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