Number Strings

Grade 2 Mathematics
Routines - Number Strings

 

Standards: K.OA.3, K.NBT.1, 1.OA.5, 1.OA.3, 1.OA.6, 2.OA.2
it_makes_sense.png

In this routine, the teacher shows students strings of three numbers using ten-frame cards and asks them to look for efficient ways to add the numbers. Number strings give students opportunities to think about using ten as a landmark for adding numbers as well as making and using doubles as an efficient addition strategy. For example, the teacher displays three ten-frame cards (one with four dots, one with three dots and one with six dots). Ask students to say each number as you turn over the corresponding card. Record the matching number sentence: 4+3+6=.  

This routine comes from the book It Makes Sense! Using Ten-Frames to Build Number Sense by Melissa Conklin. This routine is a nice follow-up to the Ten Wand routine.

Some key questions include:

  • Which two numbers would you like to add first?
  • Which numbers are friendly to add? Why?
  • How can making ten help you solve the problem?

Ten Frame Cards

1st Grade Examples: (Based on the strategy of making 10)

4+9+6, 2+3+7, 8+3+2, 5+6+5, 4+1+9, 2+8+3, 2+9+3, 2+6+4, 2+8+7

Above examples in Google slides Links to an external site..

2nd Grade Examples: (Students are expected to have mastery of all addition and subtraction facts by the end of second grade.  These examples encourage the use of Make 10 and Some More and Near Doubles.

 5+6+3, 7+8+4, 3+6+4, 2+9+5, 5+2+7, 7+2+6, 9+8+4

Routine - Number Strings Links to an external site. on Vimeo Links to an external site..

 

 

 

 

cc_by_nc_sa.png This course content is offered under a CC Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike Links to an external site. license. Content in this course can be considered under this license unless otherwise noted.