Grades 2-3
31 activities—192 pages

The early primary grades are the ideal time to develop a solid understanding of place value and number systems in early learners, and Awesome Addition and Super Subtraction will do just that. Students will gain a greater understanding of addition and subtraction as they take part in exciting activities that feel more like playing than learning.

For example, a deck of cards made up of one (ace) through nine in all four suits is used in the activity “Middle Ground.” In this game, students are dealt six cards and are to make two three-digit numbers that create a large range between the two three-digit numbers. Three cards are then turned over from the deck to make an additional three-digit number. If that number falls within the range of the student’s, then he or she receives a point. Play continues until one student earns 10 points. Students quickly realize how they need to widen their range in order to increase their chance of scoring, and in the process, gain a better understanding of place values.

In another exploration, “Seek and Hide,” students use a pair of dice to roll and add in order to cover the resulting sum on a game board. The game is a bit like addition bingo, with the first student to cover an entire row on his or her game board announced as the winner. Clever variations of the game are also offered that continue to reinforce the practice of addition facts.

Awesome Addition and Super Subtraction contains three sections: Building Conceptual Understanding, Meaningful Problem Solving, and Playful and Intelligent Practice. First, conceptual understanding is developed by building a strong sense of place value, developing meaning of the operations with and without regrouping, and exploring money in the context of a base-ten number system. Skills are further developed where students use addition and subtraction in problem-solving situations. Finally, multiple experiences for playful and intelligent practice are included with a focus on 100 percent accuracy.

Teachers will appreciate the ease of conducting these activities and the lasting results that they produce.