Cindy Cutcher

This is a simple "making 10" game where students use a die to roll numbers and fill in their equation card, if possible. For students who need help, you may add a set of blocks and a ten frame to build the numbers.

Students record how numbers and math are all around them, and display this using a Thinking Map! In the first box, students write their name. In the next row of empty boxes, students choose numbers that relate to themselves, like number of siblings, their current grade...In the next row of boxes, students create one or more equations that equal the number above the box. In the final row of boxes, students describe, in writing or with pictures, what that number means.

This is similar to other word games out there where students pass a bag with the cards around. As they pull out a card, they must answer the math fact correctly in order to keep it. If they pull out a "POW!" card, they must give all their cards to the next player. The game continues. After all cards have been collected, the student with the most cards, wins!

I designed this Lesson Center as a fun way for my students to practice adding and subtracting with and without regrouping, including across zeros. The students really enjoyed the ability to dream about what they would buy if they had LOTS of money to spend.