Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
Counting three times is an early strategy that can be used for addition and subtraction. If a student used this strategy to solve 2 + 3, the student would:
Model and count the first addend (i.e., count two counters), then
Model and count the second addend (i.e., count three counters), and then
Count all of the counters to find the sum (i.e., count five counters).
In a subtraction question, such as 5 – 2, the student would model and count the minuend (i.e., 5), count and remove the subtrahend (i.e., 2) and then re-count the remaining counters to find the difference (i.e., 3).
Counting three times (addition)
Counting three times (subtraction)
Supporting Students with Counting Three Times
Supporting Students with Counting Three Times
To support students' learning to count three times, provide students with opportunities to directly model problems using concrete materials. Ensure students are accurately counting the number sequence and tagging (or pointing to) items with the appropriate count to represent accurate sets of numbers.
Games to Promote Counting Three Times
Games to Promote Counting Three Times
Cube Train Build Game
Cube Train Build Game
This game provides the opportunity for students to practice counting three times as an addition strategy. Students will use unifix cubes to build cube trains and count the number of cubes they use.
Domino Addition
Domino Addition
This game provides the opportunity for students to practice the addition strategy counting three times. There are different versions of this game that enforce different strategies - this version would be the initial version to start with.
Domino Addition game instructions
Domino Addition activity card (English)
Domino Addition activity card (French)
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