Materials
two baskets or paper bags with handles
a dozen or more plastic eggs or small plastic balls
outdoor play yard or large indoor play room
Instructions
* Divide the children into two lines at one end of the play yard. Make two piles
of balls or eggs at the other end of the play yard.
What to Do
1. Give the first two children in the lines the baskets or bags.
2. Begin the race by calling out an arithmetic problem, such as "2 plus 1!"
3. Children race to fill their bags or baskets with the correct number of eggs or
balls to equal the answer. Have the children race back and count out their
answers to see if they are correct.
4. Give each child one or more turns at the race.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip S
* To play the same game with younger children, call out a number instead of a
math problem.
* Show children math problems on paper, and relate them to the racing game.
Explain how "2 + 1 = 3" is the same as putting two eggs into the basket, plus
putting another egg into the basket, which equals three eggs in the basket.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
* Can the children recognize an addition equation?
* Are the children able to add small numbers?
