Basic Operations

Do your students struggle with mental math? Are they struggling to solve basic math facts? Maybe they are using their fingers to add and subtract. The majority of my second graders are adding on their fingers. From day one, I saw four fingers plus three fingers=seven fingers. I know it's something they will get with time, but when you work with numbers bigger than ten, fingers don't work. We have adopted two new programs in our district to help our students become better at "mental math" and reteach the core of addition and subtraction. 

One of those programs is called Number Talks by Sherry Parrish. I was skeptical at first and thought this is just another lesson to add to my already packed out day. But, after I started it with my kids... I was AMAZED! It's so awesome to see how they think and figure things out! Check out this video of how it works in a third grade classroom (keep in mind, this is probably later in the year). 

Now I know you all want to try it! Grab your copy of Sherry's book from Amazon. 

Anyway.. I created a basic operations unit to help kids with some of the strategies. I based it off the other program we are using this year. It's great for reteaching and using in your intervention groups. Check out two of the activities below.

Shake, Spill and Sort: 

First to the Top:

I am using it whole group right now (because all my children need it), and I can see a huge change in my kiddos. Now, I only have about 4 who are using their fingers and we've only been doing it for a month! This unit is perfect for K-2, especially if you use it for small group/intervention.

Click the image below to grab your copy from TPT!

Keep in mind: This is part one. I am working on the next few units and hope to have them up soon! You will need red/yellow counters and some dice for this unit! If you don't have counters-- check out I Am Homeschooling to grab a free printable set! 

If you have time today, head over to The Mailbox and enter the Office Max and Office Depot $500 gift card giveaway! What teacher doesn't need money to buy more storage, pencils, pens, etc.?!