Activities to Teach Students Addition With Pictures – Sums to 20
![](https://dev.theedadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/teacher-1280966_1280-660x400.jpg)
Learning addition is a crucial skill for students in their early years of schooling. It forms the foundation of their mathematical abilities and prepares them for more complex operations. However, teaching addition in a way that holds a young child’s attention can be challenging. This is where using pictures can prove to be incredibly helpful.
Pictures are a powerful tool that can be used to aid in teaching addition. They provide a visual representation of numbers and help students understand the concept of addition better. Here are some fun activities that use pictures to teach students addition with sums to 20.
1. Picture puzzles: Create picture puzzles using numbers as the pieces. Cut out individual numbers from construction paper or cardboard and mix them up. Then, have students arrange the numbers in the correct order to get the right answer. For example, for the equation 5 + 3 = 8, the puzzle pieces would be 5, 3, and 8. This activity helps students understand the concept of addition by visually seeing the two numbers going together to form the sum.
2. Picture books: Create a picture book using drawings or photographs that demonstrate addition. Each page should have a set of objects with a corresponding equation. For example, there could be a picture of five apples on one page with the equation 3 + 2 = 5 written below it. This activity helps students see the connection between real-world objects and their numeric counterparts.
3. Number line hopscotch: Create a large number line on the floor using tape or chalk. Then, have students hop along the line while saying the addition equation. For example, if a student is on the number 7, they would say “7 plus 2 equals 9” as they jump two spaces to land on the number 9. This activity helps students physically connect addition with a number line, making it easier to visualize and remember.
4. Flashcard matching game: Create sets of addition flashcards with the equations on one card and the sum on another card. Then, lay them out face down and have students take turns picking up two cards to see if they match. This activity helps students practice their addition fluency and reinforces the connection between the two parts of the equation.
5. Block tower addition: Have students stack blocks to represent the two numbers in the equation and then count the total number of blocks to get the sum. For example, if a student has five blocks stacked and adds three more, they would count all eight blocks to get the sum. This activity helps students see the physical representation of adding two numbers together.
These activities can help make addition more engaging and fun for students. Incorporating pictures into the lesson not only helps with comprehension but also makes the learning process more enjoyable. With these activities, students can build a strong foundation in addition skills that will serve them well in their future mathematical endeavors.