Build It Up! is a game that promotes mental math skills in primary students. Children use ordinary playing cards from 2-9 to generate the 3 numbers they will add. Playing with a partner, each child flips 3 cards onto their Build It Up work mat, adds the numbers, and says the sum aloud. The child with the greater sum collects all 6 cards for that round. The activity continues until all cards are used. They can then play again with the cards they have collected, or count their cards to see who has more cards. An easy to follow directions card is provided and makes this activity just right for independent practice.
Created by Terry Palmieri, Build It Up is a favorite with first and second grade students. Use it as a learning center or as an activity for children who finish work early.
The FREE preview contains the complete activity: directions card and workmat.


Help
Terry Palmieri specializes in the development and implementation of standard-based educational math and literacy activities for students in K - 2nd grade. During her 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher for students in the first three grade levels, she gravitated toward the use and development of interactive center activities to maximize learning. Positive feedback from colleagues who participated in her local and statewide workshops prompted Terry to share this experience-based expertise with other educators through her teacher-friendly math activity resources. Terry served as the Math Specialist in a Primary Project Child classroom with the Palm Beach County School Board for 5 years. She continues to develop standard-based educational math and literacy activities for students in K - 2nd grade. Her students' success with innovative interactive center activities and their enthusiasm for learning ignites her passion for continuous improvement.
