One of the fundamental math skills that young students need to master is addition. While addition is a relatively simple concept, it can become quite challenging when numbers start to get larger or more complex. One strategy that teachers often use to help students with addition is to teach them about near doubles.
Near doubles refer to numbers that are close to each other or are doubles of each other. For instance, if a student knows that 6+6=12, they should be able to easily figure out that 6+7=13, since 7 is the near double of 6. Adding near doubles is a helpful skill for students to have, as it can help them perform mentally complex addition problems more quickly and accurately.
Here are some activities that teachers can use to help students learn how to add near doubles:
1. Using Visual Aids:
One effective way to introduce the concept of near doubles is through the use of visual aids. Teachers can create posters or flashcards with pictures of numbers that are near doubles, such as 3 and 4, 5 and 6, or 8 and 9. Students can then use these aids to practice adding near doubles and begin to understand the concept visually.
2. Practice with Games:
Games can be a fun and effective way for students to practice adding near doubles. Teachers can create games such as “Near Doubles Bingo,” which involves students filling out bingo cards with near-doubles equations. Another option is “Near Doubles Memory,” where students have to match cards with near doubles equations.
3. Using Manipulatives:
Manipulatives are physical objects that can be used to represent numbers and help students visualize math problems. For example, teachers can use blocks or cubes to represent numbers and have students create near-doubles equations by adding blocks together.
4. Practice with Worksheets:
Worksheets are a great way for students to practice adding near-doubles on their own. Teachers can provide students with worksheets that feature near-doubles equations or have them create their own equations.
5. Use Real-world Examples:
One way to make near-doubles more relatable for students is by using real-world examples. Teachers can provide examples such as adding the number of pennies in two piggy banks or adding the number of cookies on two plates.
In conclusion, adding near doubles is an essential math skill that students need to master. By using these activities, teachers can help students understand the concept visually, engage in fun games, practice with manipulatives, use worksheets, and relate it to real-world examples. By providing students with multiple opportunities to practice adding near doubles, they will become fluent in performing mental addition calculations and be more confident in their math abilities.
