Adding doubles is an important skill for young learners to acquire. It helps them develop fluency in addition, and lays the groundwork for more complex concepts like mental math and number sense.
Here are a few activities that you can use to teach students to add doubles:
1. Doubles Bump
This game is played with two dice and a game board. Players take turns rolling the dice, and then adding the two numbers together to find the sum. If the sum is a double (i.e. 2+2, 3+3, etc.), the player gets to place a marker on the board. If another player’s marker is already on that space, they can bump it off and replace it with their own. The game continues until all the spaces on the board are filled, and the player with the most markers wins.
2. Double Popsicle Stick Math
This activity requires popsicle sticks with numbers written on them (either by the teacher or students). Students pick out two sticks, and add them together to find the sum. If the sum is a double, they get to keep the sticks. The goal is to collect as many double sticks as possible.
3. Doubles Memory
This game is played like the classic Memory game. Players turn over two cards at a time, trying to find a match (i.e. two cards with the same number). If they find a match, they add the numbers together to find the sum. If the sum is a double, they get to keep the cards. The game continues until all the matches have been found, and the player with the most cards wins.
4. Double Flashcards
Flashcards with double addition problems (i.e. 2+2, 3+3, etc.) can be used to help students memorize the doubles. Have them practice with a partner, or use the flashcards in a game format (such as “Around the World”).
5. Double Roll and Write
This activity requires a dice and a worksheet with double addition problems. Students roll the dice, and then write down the double of the number they rolled. For example, if they roll a two, they would write down 4. The game continues until all the problems on the worksheet have been completed.
These activities are fun and engaging ways to help students learn to add doubles. By providing multiple opportunities for practice, students will become more confident in their ability to add doubles, and will be well-equipped for success in future mathematical ventures.
