Put on your algebraic thinking caps! 🧙

In our 1 More, 1 Less Match-Up, students will be using their pattern recognition skills to find card combinations that either add or subtract by one.

Counting One More One Less with 2 Digit Numbers

Use this resource in your math center, as a small group activity, or a whole class exercise (see below) to practice naming the number that is one more or one less of a given 2-digit number.

To play, students will take turns flipping cards to find number pairs that are one more or one less than each other.

Scaffolding and Extension Tips + Additional One More One Less Activities

Challenge students who already understand the concept to find the numbers that are 10 more or 10 less than the number, or 100 more or 100 less than the number. They can also make their own one more and one less match-up cards using three or four-digit numbers.

Students who need help understanding the concepts can use a number line or a hundreds chart. You can also highlight the digit in the ones place to help students focus on that place value. 

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers, and for full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more.

Jump in the Line 

Have students stand up and provide each with a number card. Then challenge them to silently put themselves in numerical order. 

Swat! 

During small group instruction, create a grid of 5 cards on top of a table and give each student a fly swatter. Say 1 more or less than a visible card on the table. The first student to swat the corresponding number card sets the card aside in their own pile to keep score. The student with the most cards wins. 

Go Fish

Shuffle the cards and pass out 7 to each player. The remaining cards go in the center of the play area. Taking turns, players ask each other for one more or less than a card in their hand.  

Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies here! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. 

These cards were designed to be printed on both the front and back of the paper so that the numbers are on the front side of the card and the name of the game is on the back.

Follow these directions to print double-sided cards:

1. Click on the printer icon or select File from the navigation bar, and select Print from the dropdown menu
2. From the dialogue box that pops up, next to Pages, click on All and select Custom
3. Enter 2-13 to ensure the cards print front to back
4. Click on More settings
5. Pages per sheet should be set to “1”
6. If it is not already selected, check the box for Print on both sides
7. If it is not already set to Flip on short edge, use the dropdown to make this selection
8. Click the Print button

To print only page 1, use the directions above to step 3. 

Cut on the dotted lines and place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

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This resource was created by Allie Kleijnjans, a teacher in Pennsylvania and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

 

Need more activities to help students count up and down? Try these on for size:  

[resource:4697320]   [resource:4707371]   [resource:4695755]