Joining small groups
Connect small collections and addition within 20. Use counters and talk about how the total changes.
- Combine quantities and explain an addition strategy.
One screen. The whole class.
Math classroom games · United States
Explore math: Joining small groups, Equal groups at the market, Counting tells how many. See learning goals and a suggested sequence; start with any available activity.
Ready-to-teach learning paths
Equal groups at the market
Relate equal groups to multiplication facts for 2, 5 and 10; discuss the meaning of each factor.
- Interpret equal groups and multiplication facts.
Counting tells how many
Counting tells how many: One number for each object → The last number tells how many → Numerals and quantities → Which has more?.
- Count arranged/scattered sets with one-to-one correspondence and recognize zero.
- Match a counted set to its cardinal number even after rearrangement.
- Connect written numerals 0–20 with sets, including teen quantities.
Joining and separating
Joining and separating: Put together, take apart → Pairs that make a number → Make ten → Small number stories → Five in different ways.
- Represent joining/separating stories with objects or drawings.
- Decompose numbers to 10 in more than one way.
- Find the missing part needed to make 10 from a given number 1–9.
United States · 6–8 yearsThe number trailConnected short activities, one shared discovery.
United States · 5–7 yearsThe number bridgeJoin small groups and practice addition within 20.
United States · 7–9 yearsThe multiplication marketCount equal groups of fruit, books and classroom treasures.
United States · 5–6 yearsOne number for each objectCount every object once, keep track of scattered sets, and notice empty sets.
United States · 5–6 yearsThe last number tells how manyUse a finished count to name the whole set, even when the same objects move.
United States · 5–6 yearsNumerals and quantitiesMatch written numerals to counted sets, from an empty set through twenty.
United States · 5–6 yearsWhich has more?Compare quantities with counting and matching; explain more, fewer and the same number.
United States · 5–6 yearsPut together, take apartChoose objects, drawings and actions that show what happens in a number story.
United States · 5–6 yearsPairs that make a numberMake two parts of a whole, find a missing part, and compare different splits.
United States · 5–6 yearsMake tenFind what is missing from ten, explain a strategy, and check a proposed pair.
United States · 5–6 yearsSmall number storiesSolve small joining and taking-away stories, then explain what the numbers mean.
United States · 5–6 yearsFive in different waysUse small facts flexibly, explain patterns and check mistakes without racing.