Adding one may seem like a simple concept to grasp, but for young students, it can be a bit challenging. It is, however, a crucial skill that forms the basis for addition and mental math. Therefore, if you are a teacher, you need to have an arsenal of fun and engaging activities to teach students to add one. Here are some activities that can help you do just that:
1. Counting Animal Walks: Have your students walk around the room like different animals, like a bunny, frog, or crab. As they walk, have them count each step and then add one step to the count as they finish each walk. For example, they could start by walking three steps and then add one step to make it four. Kids will have fun and learn to count and add 1 simultaneously.
2. Up and Down: In this game, teach the students to stand up and sit down when they hear a number that’s one more than the number they are currently sitting or standing on. For example, if they are standing on the number 7, they need to sit down when you say “6” and then stand up when you say “8”. This game helps students recognize numbers and add 1 quickly.
3. Hopscotch: Playing hopscotch is an excellent game for teaching students how to count and add 1. Draw a hopscotch grid on the floor, and as students jump on each number square, have them call out the number they landed on plus one. They’ll have a fun time hoping and counting, and ultimately learn how to add one.
4. Post-it Note Challenge: Write different numbers from 1-10 at the top of a Post-it note and stick it on a board. Then give each student ten paper clips. The challenge is for them to add one paperclip to the board when you say a number that’s one more than the number on their Post-it-note. For example, if a student’s Post-it note shows “3,” they need to add a paperclip when you say “4”. This activity helps kids learn to add and recognize numbers.
5. Egg Carton Counting: Give each student an egg carton, place ten pennies in one section of the egg carton, and ask them to count the pennies. Then ask them to add one penny at a time to the next section of the egg carton as they count. This activity is great for teaching students to count and add one and helps with fine motor skills.
Activities to teach students how to add one are helpful in building a solid foundation for addition skills. They help students learn the skills they need to solve more complex mathematical problems confidently. As a teacher, you can make these activities more fun and exciting by adding a competitive element and rewarding students for their achievements. Ultimately, the key to success is to make learning fun and engaging so that your students remain interested and motivated throughout the process.
