Saturday, September 8, 2012

Center Idea For Building Addition Fluency in the First Grade Classroom


Numeracy concepts are one of the most important skills first grade educators are responsible for teaching.  Many teaches use songs, counters, rote counting, games, story problems, number lines and the like to build numeracy concepts.  I have discovered that Rekenreks are also a great tool for developing numeracy concepts.

Gradually, teachers move on toward an introduction of addition concepts through the use of the same algorithms taught when they attended school.  Some teachers have branched out and have taken on the challenge of using innovative strategies like those proposed by Mathematics in the City.

Whichever method is used, educators are still accountable for teaching the objectives outlined by the state in which they teach.  One objective is for students to solve basic addition facts.  This would also include completing facts at a reasonable rate of speed.

I created an addition facts center for students to use to increase speed and proficiency with math problems.  This center permits children to practice addition in both horizontal and vertical form.  I chose not to use plus or equals signs when I developed the activity.  It took a while to put this together but it will be worth the time invested.  The laminating consumed most of my time!  I also wanted the children to have the fun of pulling the numbers on and off the center with fasteners.  I purchased frames from Scrappin Doodles and asked the shop owner to allow me to make a small modification from the original art.  I was happy with the results. 

It's center assembly time!



View more about this center at my Teachers pay Teachers store here.


© 2012 Lessons by Molly, All rights reserved.

4 comments:

  1. I love the way kids are able to move the numbers. Great center activity - this should really help with addition fluency. Thanks for sharing, Anne

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  2. Anne,

    The kids love to pull the velcro fasteners apart and stick them back together. It helps keep hands busy in a positive way. I intentionally designed this without the plus and equals symbols. Natural adding, the kind we adults do in our heads, does not involve symbols.

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  3. What a great idea! I love that it is interactive and we all know the kids love these types of activities!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lori. It provides students with addition facts practice without the use of a worksheet. Yeah!

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