Adding and Subtraction can be a very abstract concept for children and it could be difficult to explain these concepts to children. That’s why addition and subtraction should be fun and hands on experience. The best way they could learn this math skill is making games, doing the operations with concrete material and very big. They should learn to add and subtract unconsciously because that’s the way they are going to assimilate the concept and the skill in the best way. Also, is going to become something natural so adults will not force this process. It’s very important that in this process, adults not try the kid to memorize the operations because, it could make a trauma in the child and he will not learn.
Activity 1
Adding and Subtracting Song
Materials
- YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8xZwqQce-c
- Speakers
- Monitor
Procedure
The students will be sitting in the floor, putting attention to the video. They must listen and if they can, sing.
Activity 2
Addition and Subtraction with Beads
Materials
- Black pipe cleaners
- 2 dice
- Color beads
- 2 rocks (one of it: In one side “+” and in the other “- “. And the other rock “=”)
Procedure
The student will roll the 2 dice and he/she will choose one side of the rock (“+” or “-“). The student will order the addition or subtraction. He/ she will put one dice, the rock with the “+” or “-“, the other dice and the rock with the symbol “=”, with the pipe cleaner and beads he/she will put in, the correct amount of color beads.
http://www.aneverydaystory.com/2015/09/13/on-the-shelves-snapshot-practising-addition-with-beads/
Activity 3
Add eyes to the monster math
Materials
- Bright color monsters
- Google eyes
- Tray
Procedure
The child will have monsters with an addition on them in a tray and he/she will put the googly eyes on the monster according with the result of the addition.
https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/10/monster-math-tray-learning-after-school.html
Activity 4
Play Dough Subtraction Smash
Materials
- Play dough balls
- Plastic plate
- Flash cards with subtraction
Procedure
The child will make playdough balls, then he/she will put them in a plastic plate. The student will take a flash card, and he/she will take playdough balls according with the first number of the flash card and then he/she will smash the playdough balls according with the second number.
http://mamapapabubba.com/2015/01/08/play-dough-subtraction-smash/
Activity 5 – Eco Material
The adding machine
Materials
- 2 Plastic cups
- 2 Toilet paper tubes
- Basket or bowl
- Tape
- Counters (rocks, leaves, pom poms, etc.)
- Addition mats (5 to 10 per student)
Procedure
The student will take 1 addition mat and then he/ she will do with the counters the math operation in the adding machine.
KidzMathwithPam 