When it comes to building a solid foundation in math, mastering addition and subtraction within 20 is a must for our young learners. It’s one of those essential skills that sets the stage for more complex math concepts down the road. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite strategies and activities that make practicing addition and subtraction within 20 both fun and effective. Let’s explore some ways we can make these important skills click for our students while keeping them engaged!
How to Teach Addition and Subtraction Within 20
When it comes to teaching addition and subtraction within 20, I’ve found that a blend of visual aids, hands-on activities, and repetition works wonders. It’s all about creating a balance between concrete and abstract learning so our students can really grasp what these operations mean.
Using number lines, manipulatives like counters or blocks, and even simple drawings help make the concepts more visual and relatable. Plus, starting with smaller numbers and gradually building up to 20 gives our students the confidence to tackle more challenging problems.
As our students grow more comfortable, I gradually introduce more mental math strategies. Things like breaking numbers into tens and ones (also known as “friendly numbers”) or using doubles facts can really speed up their problem-solving skills. Repetition and practice are key here, so I include quick daily exercises that build fluency.
Using Visual Aids for Support with Addition and Subtraction Within 20
I’ve found that visual aids are an absolute game-changer when it comes to helping our students master addition and subtraction within 20. There’s something about seeing the math in front of them that makes the concepts click! The best part is that many of these visuals require little prep but make a big impact.
Using a Number Line
One of my go-to visuals is the number line. It’s a simple tool, but it works wonders in helping our students understand how numbers move forward and backward. Whether it’s printed on paper, drawn on the whiteboard, or taped on the floor, the number line gives students a concrete way to visualize both addition and subtraction.
I love using it in combination with word problems or having students physically jump along a floor number line. It’s active and engaging!
Ten Frames
Another must-have is the ten frame. It’s perfect for breaking down numbers into tens and ones, giving our students a clear picture of addition and subtraction. With just a set of ten frames and counters, they can manipulate the pieces to see how numbers combine or separate. This hands-on approach is great for making math more tangible, especially for visual learners.
Manipulatives and Counters
Manipulatives like counters, base ten blocks, or even small objects like buttons come in handy. These hands-on math tools allow our students to physically move these items to represent the action of joining or separating. This helps them visualize the math in a concrete way and develop a solid understanding of the concepts of addition and subtraction.
For example, if we’re working on the problem 15 – 7, students can start with 15 counters and physically remove 7 to see the answer in front of them. Not only does this help them find the answer, but this hands-on approach makes the math more meaningful and allows students to actually see the math in action.
Drawing – Creating Your Own Visual
Don’t underestimate the power of drawings! Encouraging our students to draw out their math problems can help them see the relationships between numbers in a way that makes sense to them. It’s a quick and effective way to make abstract concepts more concrete.
My only rule – we do quick drawings. No art masterpieces are needed when drawing out a math problem. Students can use something simple like a circle or dot to represent numbers. They can draw to groups and connect them with a big circle, or draw one group and X out numbers that are subtracted. Doing this process on their own not only helps develop a solid understanding of these operations but also builds number sense skills.
Games and Activities for Practicing Addition and Subtraction Within 20
Math facts are one of those things our students will learn that require practice. But gone are the days of drill-and-kill flashcards. When it comes to practicing addition and subtraction within 20, there’s nothing like a fun game or activity to make the learning stick. Many of these ideas require little prep and can be done with materials most classrooms already have on hand!
Addition and Subtraction Bingo
One of my favorite low-prep activities is Addition and Subtraction Bingo. Grab some bingo cards (or make your own) with answers to various addition and subtraction problems within 20. You call out the problems. Then, your students have to find the matching answer on their card. It’s a great way to build fluency, and the kiddos absolutely love the excitement of bingo!
Color By Code Pages
One of my favorite ways to excite my students about practicing addition and subtraction within 20 is through color by code activities. My Color by Number Addition and Subtraction within 20 Bundle is packed with engaging worksheets that do just that. I love how they bring a little creativity to math practice!
My bundle has different themes for the seasons and the holidays. In each activity, my students solve addition and subtraction problems. Then, they use the answers to figure out what color to use in different sections of the picture. It’s such a fun way to reinforce math skills. It’s also super low-prep! All I need to do is print the pages and grab some crayons or markers, and we’re good to go.
What I really like about these activities is that they work for so many different scenarios. You can use them with early finishers, during math centers, or as a fun homework option. Plus, they’re perfect for differentiation since our students can move at their own pace while solving problems and coloring in the picture. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little theme action to make math practice more exciting?
This type of activity helps our students stay focused and engaged while allowing them to relax and enjoy the creative side of learning. Whether it’s used for practice or as a calm-down activity, these worksheets are a hit every time!
Grab and Subtract
For a more hands-on approach, Grab and Subtract works well with common classroom items like counters or even small toys. Have your students grab a handful of objects, count them, and then subtract a set number (like 5 or 10). They can then write the equation that matches their grab. This simple activity gets your students moving and thinking at the same time.
Flash Card Showdown
Another simple go-to is Flash Card Showdown. With a set of basic flashcards, pair your students up and have them race to solve the problems. You can even add a fun twist. If they solve it correctly, they get to “keep” the card. The student with the most cards at the end wins. This can be done with addition, subtraction, or a mix of both for a challenge.
Number Line Races
If you’re looking for something that works as a quick warm-up, try Number Line Races. Lay down a number line on the floor or tape one to a whiteboard. Call out addition or subtraction problems and have your students race to point to (or step on) the correct number. It’s a fun, active way to practice that only takes a few minutes but makes a big impact.
All of these activities are easy to implement and only need basic classroom materials. They’re perfect for those days when you need a quick, engaging way to practice addition and subtraction within 20. Plus, they’re adaptable. Whether you have five minutes or a whole math block, these ideas will keep your students motivated and learning!
Additional Resources
If you’re looking for even more ways to make math engaging and interactive in your classroom, I’ve got you covered! Over the years, I’ve found some tried-and-true activities and tools that have really helped my students build their math skills while having fun along the way. I’m sharing a few of my favorite math-related posts that are packed with ideas, resources, and tips to keep your students excited about learning math.
- How to Teach Computational Fluency in Math
- Math Toolkits: Why You Need Them and How They Make a Difference
- Why You Need Daily Spiral Review to Support Math Instruction
Time to Strengthen Addition and Subtraction Within 20 Math Skills
Bringing creativity and hands-on practice to addition and subtraction within 20 is a game-changer for helping our students feel confident and excited about math. Whether it’s through engaging activities, fun games, or visual aids, we have so many tools at our fingertips to make these foundational skills click. I hope these ideas inspire you to add extra fun and energy to your math lessons. Let’s keep our students motivated and ready to tackle new challenges as they master addition and subtraction within 20!
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