Build Addition Knowledge by Making 20

Providing students with hands-on learning experiences that foster their number sense and mathematical understanding is crucial in the early stages of learning. Linking cubes are a versatile manipulative and offer an excellent opportunity for students to explore numbers and develop critical thinking skills. This set of task cards uses pictures of rows of linking cubes (two different colours). Each task card includes an addition equation of three other numbers; students must combine the teen and one’s numbers to make a teen number and record the new addition equation with just two numbers on the recording sheet.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Maths lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Allow students to use actual linking cubes to manipulate and provide a more tactile experience.

➕ Challenge Students 

Provide those students who need a little challenge just the recording sheet and they have to come up with the combinations by themselves.

🛴 Scoot Activity 

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answers in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point. 

👋 Exit Ticket 

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on a sheet of paper, sticky note or notebook. 

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.

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