In preschool and kindergarten much of our math focus is on building number sense skills. As I shared in our ladybug number sense activities there are many fun ways we can give kids exposure to number sense concepts using hands-on activities. We’ve developed of series of number sense packets that help kids get valuable number sense practice all year long, and help teachers quickly and easily differentiate instruction to reach the needs of all of their students. Here is a free printable sample of some of the Flower Number Sense Math Activities from one of these sets. Use it to practice addition and subtraction with preschoolers and kindergarteners.
GET ALL THE FLOWER NUMBER SENSE ACTIVITIES IN OUR PRINTABLE FLOWER NUMBER SENSE PACK.
The full Flower Number Sense Pack includes resources to practice the following skills for numbers to 10:
- Counting Sets
- Recognizing Numbers
- Ways to Make 10
- Composing Numbers
- Decomposing Numbers
- One More
- One Less
Here in this article we’re focusing on addition and subtraction using manipulatives.
See these Flower Number Sense Math Activities in Action
Watch this quick video to see how we’re using some of these materials.
In the number sense math packs there are activity mats that help students use math manipulatives to practice each math concept. There are also no-prep activity card prompts and writing response sheets that correspond to the activity mats.
The activity mats can be used in small groups, one-on-one, and during math centers. This activity mat is for helping kids practice adding numbers.
Then they count out that many seed manipulatives and add them to the seed packet on the activity mat.
Repeat for the second seed packet.
Finish by completing the addition sentence. You can laminate the activity mats or use dry erase pouches as shown here and have kids use a dry erase marker to complete the additon sentence, or you can use number tiles.
Give kids ample time to practice different addition sentences. For kids who are ready you can even have them record the addition sentences they have created. They’ll naturally start to note different patterns and combinations of numbers.
As you begin to practice taking apart sets of objects it can be helpful to use manipulatives that allow kids to physically touch and see what is happening as they subtract.
While using the subtraction mat kids draw two flower number cards (or roll two number cubes). They decide which number is greater and use that number first by adding that many seeds to the seed packet.
Then it’s time to “plant” the seeds, and kids remove the number of seeds that corresponds to the second number they identified, placing them in the soil.
Then kids can either use number tiles or a dry erase marker to record the corresponding subtraction sentence.
Quick tip: If kids are not yet comfortable identifying more and less, you can modify this activity by giving them the number to start with. For example, you could tell them to start with 10 each time. Then they could choose only one card and remove that number. This also allows them to work on properties of 10.
To follow up with the activity you can also have kids continue practicing by using the subtraction recording sheet.
These are just two of the hands-on ways we’re using the Flower Number Sense Math Activities pack to practice number sense skills. There are so many more options to help you get the most out of the set!
More Number Sense Resources for Early Childhood
GET YOUR FREE SAMPLE OF THE FLOWER NUMBER SENSE MATH ACTIVITIES
The free sample of the Flower Number Sense Math Activities includes:
- Addition Mat Pictured Above
- Subtraction Mat Pictured Above
Get a the Full Flower Number Sense Pack
This 69-page set is designed to be very interactive, giving kids many opportunities to use manipulatives.
You can introduce the ideas during circle time and then use the math games during small group and center time.
There are even differentiated take home packs for families to do the activities at home.
Inside there are:
- Tips and Ideas for Use
- 0-10 Flower Number Cards Sets in Color and Black and White
- 16 Activity Cards with Hands-on Number Sense Activity Directions
- 9 Small Group and Center Number Sense Activity Mats
- 14 Number Sense Recording Sheets
- 4 Differentiated Take Home Packs of Number Sense Activities
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