Activities
INTRODUCTION
Teacher explains Commutative Property of Addition and demonstrates to students by the various means below:
Using Work Mat, present set of 2 red bears + set of 1 yellow bear (2+1=3). Reverse order of addends to show that the sum will always be the same (1+2=3). Combine bears for sums in the “answer circle.” Repeat with several examples of increasing difficulty.
Pair colored die-cut numerals with bear sets above and repeat exercises above. Combine bear sets and use black numerals for sums in the “answer circle.”
Use colored die-cut numerals in isolation and repeat exercises above. Use black numerals for sums in the “answer circle.”
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Distribute bear sets to each student (or group of two students). Repeat #1 above and ask each student (or group) to duplicate the examples you demonstrate on their Work Mats. After circulating to check for understanding, invite students to “invent” other combinations to show the commutative property of addition.
Distribute die-cut numeral sets. Ask students to pair colored numerals with bear sets on their Work Mats and black numerals in the “answer circle” to demonstrate the commutative property of addition.
Ask students to use colored die-cut numerals on their Work Mats in isolation and black numerals in the “answer circle” to demonstrate the Commutative Property of Addition.
Probe class to determine understanding by asking them to verbally describe the Commutative Property of Addition. Get approximately five (correct) responses.
Probe class to determine how they will use what they have learned. Ask for examples. Get approximately five (correct) responses.
SUMMARY