The second math unit I teach after place value is addition and subtraction of greater numbers. While on the surface this can be a pretty mundane topic, there are lots of fun ways to spice it up for you and your students. I like to use lots of games and fun activities to practice. Here are some of my favorites:
How close to 1,000 is a perfect example of a low floor, high ceiling problem. Every child can try, but strategies and skill can get you closer to the goal. Set a timer and give your students 5 minutes on this challenge, and you’ll be amazed how much practice they will do in that time. They may not want to stop, in fact.
(By the way, I don’t think 1,000 is possible, but it is possible to make 999 and 1,001.) Click this link for a google slides version of the challenge.
Want to build addition fact fluency, mental math skills, and logic all at the same time? Then you have to try this free online game. Students are tasked to make the Powerline total with each connecting line. Problems start easy and get really challenging. I usually a a student or two who become obsessed with beating all of the levels in this game. Click this link to play this free game online. There is also a very fun (but not free) iPad version.
I just discovered this game and my students have loved it. It is great for a quick mini-contest to see who can make the greatest total. The object of the game is to make the total for that game using connected squares, kind of like in the game Boggle. Longer strings of numbers earn more points and games run on a timer. It also has a multiplay option to play with your whole class all at once. So fun! This free game can be played here.
This is a fun class vs. teacher game, but also works great with partners. The game uses lots of addition and little luck. The goal is to be the first to have a total of 100 or more. A student rolls two die. If a student rolls a 1, they lose their turn. If they do not roll a 1, they add up the total of the die. Then, they must choose to “bank” their points and end their turn or keep rolling. Here’s the catch, if the student rolls a 1 the next turn, they lose any points accumulated that turn. Probability comes into play here since a 1 is likely about 1 out of 3 rolls. A very fun game! Click here to download a copy of the recording sheet with directions I use for this game.
Do your students need some practice with just basic facts?If your students are like mine, many still do not know their basic facts. Check out these fun self-checking coded joke Boom cards. Perfect for Halloween.
I use these games as a 5 minute warm up before we begin the day’s lesson. It gets everyone energized and is great review of the basic facts.
I have a whole slew of Kahoot games to practice addition and subtraction. Check out this post where I list them all. Here are just a few:
My students love when they can check their own work with these QR coded task cards. Check them out at this link.
Here is a separate set for practicing subtraction.
Click here to download your FREE copy of this deck here
