Our next unit will be using Integers. The topics we will be covering are:

There are some grade 6 skills that students should be familiar with to be successful in this unit:

Modeling Integers

This video explains how to model integers using counters

This short lessons does as well

Here is a quick practice assignment


Adding Integers with Counters

After reviewing how to model integers using counters and zero pairs, we move onto modeling addition of integers using counters. These models are great for more visual learners, and students need to be able to show the model (regardless of whether or not they can calculate the sums in their head).

Here is a video on modeling integers using counters

Here is a worksheet students can complete to practice adding integers with counters (the worksheet answers do not include the models, but if students end up with the right sum based off the models, it's a good indication that they modeled the addition correctly).


Subtracting Integers

We learn to use two methods. First is to subtract with models. This method helps students understand HOW they get the answers. Click here for a video that shows the concept.

When subtracting with tiles, remember these 3 steps:

1. Represent the first integer.

2. Try and take away the second integer. If you can, cross them off and count what's left.

3. If you can't, add the tiles you need. Remember to balance whatever you drew with the same number in the opposite colour (adding zero pairs). Now take away what you need and count what's left.

This is a copy of the practice worksheet we started in class 

Here is some more practice with this concept, and the answer key here.


Once students understand subtracting with models we learn the "Keep Change Change" method. It's important that students understand how this trick works, and not just that it does. Once we've mastered "keep change change" we can then change our subtraction problems to addition problems, then model the addition using counters and number lines. Click here for a video that explains subtraction and the keep change change method

Click here for some practice



Here is a copy of the practice quiz, and the answer key! 


Below is some more review from the textbook, if anyone is looking for even more practice! 

Here is some unit review practice (answer keys are included)

Here is extra practice (answers) and some more (with answer key included at end).