Once your students have mastered counting and identifying numbers, they’re ready to build upon their skills with number operations. 

And they start with adding and subtracting by 1. 

With our set of 24 task cards, students will be introduced to the idea of finding one more and one less than a given number. 

How to Use Our One More One Less Task Cards

This resource is best used in a math center or guided small group to practice counting 1 more and 1 less than a given number up to 20.

To play, students will identify the number on the task card. Then they will add 1 and subtract 1 to complete the number pattern and write both of the missing numbers on the included recording sheet.  

Task cards may also be used in a “Scoot” game where students move around the room to find a card. Allow 2-3 minutes to solve and write down answers on their recording sheet. Then have students move on to solve a new card.

Get More Out Of One More One Less Our Task Cards with Additional Activities

Want to get your whole class in on the counting fun? We’ve put together a few one more one less game ideas you can use to get your students’ minds and bodies active! 

Gallery Walk

Mix the cards up and hang all 24 around the room to have your students complete a gallery walk. Working either alone or in pairs, assign a task card to each and have them rotate around the cards (on your signal “Scoot!”), writing the missing numbers on their recording sheet or a sheet of paper until they have completed each one.

Exit Activity

After you go through your counting lesson, pass out cards to students as a math problem they will answer on their own. Provide them with their own sticky note so that they can turn in their answer as a formative assessment, making sure to write their name on the sticky note (or use our Sticky Note Printing Guide + Template). 

Change the Difficulty Level if Needed

Fast finishers can place the numbers in order from least to greatest if done early. 

If students are having difficulty with the concept, focus on the 0-10 cards and then move to 10-20 cards once mastered. If your students need visual assistance, you can refer them to a number display. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print the task cards on cardstock for added durability and longevity. To make this game more sustainable, print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse.

As a center activity, cut out the task cards and punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring to keep them from “walking” away. 😉 Place all game parts in a folder or large envelope. 

Before You Download

Use the drop-down 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.

This resource was created by Nicole Ellis, a teacher in New York and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Set up your students for counting success! We’ve got lots more mathematics activities to keep your class engaged and inspired:

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