top of page
Lesson Plan
Addition - Adding with Cubes to 20
First (1) - Math
LEARNING TARGET
- Students will be able to use connecting cube visuals to add numbers to 20.
- Students will be able to apply the commutative property strategy to add numbers to 20.
- Students will be able to solve addition problems involving numbers up to 20.
LEARNING PROGRESSION
PREREQUISITE SKILL
- Students will be able to use 9's domino visuals to add sums up to 18.
- Students will be able to use the commutative property strategy to add two numbers.
EXTENSION SKILL
- Students will be able to read and comprehend addition word problems.
- Students will be able to identify the key information in a word problem.
- Students will be able to construct an addition sentence that matches the word problem.
DURATION
- 45-55 minutes
MATERIALS
- Connecting cubes (at least 50)
- Container to hold connecting cubes
- Whiteboard and markers
- Addition worksheet pack
VOCABULARY
- Add
- Plus
- Sum
- Connecting cubes
- Commutative property
- Count
TEACHING RESOURCES
LESSON INSTRUCTION
INTRODUCTION
- Begin the lesson by reminding students of the concept of addition and its symbol, the plus sign (+).
- Explain to students that they will be learning how to add numbers to 20 using connecting cube visuals and the commutative property strategy.
- Display the connecting cubes and explain that they will be using these to help them add.
INSTRUCTION
- Demonstrate to the students how to use connecting cubes to add numbers. Start with two numbers, such as 5 and 7. Show how to build a tower of 5 cubes and another tower of 7 cubes. Then combine the two towers to create a tower of 12 cubes. Write the addition sentence 5 + 7 = 12 on the board.
- Explain to students that they can use this method to add any two numbers up to 20.
- Introduce the commutative property strategy by explaining that it means that the order of the numbers being added doesn't matter. For example, 5 + 7 is the same as 7 + 5. Demonstrate this by building the two towers in the opposite order and still creating the tower of 12 cubes. Write the addition sentence 7 + 5 = 12 on the board.
- Provide additional examples and have students practice using connecting cubes to add numbers up to 20.
GUIDED PRACTICE
- Provide students with an addition worksheet containing problems that use numbers up to 20.
- Work through the problems together as a class, demonstrating how to use connecting cubes to add and apply the commutative property strategy.
- Encourage students to write the addition sentences for each problem on their worksheet.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
- Distribute an addition worksheet to each student to complete independently.
- Encourage students to use connecting cube visuals and the commutative property strategy to help them solve the problems.
- Circulate around the room to provide individual support and guidance as needed.
HOMEWORK
- Assign students an addition worksheet to complete at home.
- Encourage students to use connecting cubes and the commutative property strategy to help them solve the problems.
EXIT TICKET
- Provide each student with a whiteboard and marker.
- Instruct students to write an addition sentence that uses connecting cube visuals and the commutative property strategy.
ASSESSMENT
- Ask students to share one addition problem they solved using connecting cube visuals and the commutative property strategy.
- Use their responses to assess their understanding of the concepts and strategies covered in the lesson.
CLOSURE
- Recap with the class what they learned in the lesson about adding numbers up to 20 using connecting cube visuals and the commutative property strategy.
- Encourage students to reflect on how they can apply these strategies in future math lessons and in everyday situations.
- Provide positive reinforcement to the class for their hard work and progress throughout the lesson.
EXTENSION
- For students who have mastered adding numbers up to 20, provide them with more challenging addition problems that involve regrouping or carrying.
- Students can play games that involve adding numbers up to 20, such as "Around the World" or "Math War."
- Students can create their own addition problems using connecting cubes and exchange with a partner to solve.
INTERVENTION
- For students who struggle with fine motor skills or have difficulty manipulating the connecting cubes, provide them with larger or easier-to-grasp manipulatives.
- For students who need extra support, provide them with additional practice problems and one-on-one guidance during independent practice.
- For students who need additional reinforcement, provide them with visual aids, such as posters or anchor charts, that illustrate the commutative property strategy and connecting cube visuals.
VIDEOS
No Video Available
TEACHING TIPS
- Provide plenty of opportunities for students to practice using connecting cubes and the commutative property strategy.
- Encourage students to explain their thought process when solving addition problems using these strategies.
- Use real-life scenarios to help students understand the relevance and importance of addition skills.
STUDENT MISCONCEPTIONS
- Students may struggle with the concept of regrouping or carrying when adding larger numbers.
- Students may confuse the commutative property strategy with the associative property.
- Students may have difficulty visualizing larger numbers using connecting cubes.
STANDARD
Common Core Standard:
1.OA.C.6 - Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten; decomposing a number leading to a ten; using the relationship between addition and subtraction.
bottom of page