💪Turnaround Facts To Grow Addition Muscles!

In this addition activity, students will practise addition turnarounds to 20 using cute and engaging task cards featuring adorable flip flop designs. Using these task cards and the accompanying recording sheets, you will reinforce your student’s understanding of addition’s commutative property and build fluency in solving addition problems.

What Are Turnaround Facts?

Addition turnarounds, also known as the commutative property of addition, is a fundamental math strategy for kids that helps them understand the relationship between numbers and the flexibility of addition. The commutative property states that changing the order of the addends in an addition problem does not change the sum. In other words, when adding two numbers, the result is the same regardless of the order in which they are added.

How To Use This Resource

1. Introduce the activity by explaining the concept of addition turnarounds to students, emphasising that the order of the addends does not affect the sum.
2. Model an example using one of the task cards. Think aloud, demonstrating how to identify the numbers on the flip flops and write the corresponding turnarounds and sums.
3. Provide each student with a task card. Encourage them to examine the flip flop numbers and carefully read the addition problem.
4. Solve the problem using mental math skills or manipulatives if needed. Record their answers on the recording sheet.
5. Rotate and repeat, and students can work individually or in pairs, rotating through the task cards until all problems are solved and recorded. You can even place the task cards around the classroom as an active activity for your students.
6. Facilitate a class discussion to review the correct answers and reinforce the commutative property of addition.

Extension activity – encourage students to create their flip flop addition problems, challenge their classmates, or explore other addition concepts beyond 20.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardboard for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardboard and slip them into write-and-wipe sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.  

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.