Academy Curricular Exchange
Columbia Education Center
Mathematics

TITLE:  ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION GAME

AUTHOR:  Kaye Miller; Lincoln City Jr. Academy, Lincoln City, OR

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:  Appropriate for grades 2-8

OVERVIEW:  A group activity that provides review and drill in the format
of a game for learning facts in subtraction and addition. Appeals to
multilevel and multigrade situations. The Students get so caught up in the
game they consider it an exciting challenge rather than a drill or review.

OBJECTIVE(s):  
1. Practice addition and subtraction facts and processes.
2. Use accuracy in adding and subtracting.
3. Develop speed when adding and subtracting.
4. Understand the concepts of adding and subtracting.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:
  1. A die
  2. Lined paper 
  3. Pencil

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1.  Draw on the board three parallel lines then two intersecting lines.
Place a "+" or "-" sign next to the second parallel line.  What you have
made is a grid of empty boxes, with three boxes in each of the three rows. 
2.  Have the students copy this onto their papers.
3.  Explain to the students that you are going to roll a die and the number
that is rolled is to be placed into one of the squares in the top two rows.
The bottom row is for the answer.  The die will be rolled until the empty
boxes in all the rows, except the bottom row, are filled.
4.  They are then to work the problem. 
5.  The object of the game is to get the highest number if adding or the
lowest number if subtracting.
6.  While the students are putting their numbers onto their paper you are
also playing by putting your numbers into the squares on the board.
(I found this to help the slower students, and the quick students try to
beat you.)
7.  Then ask if anyone beat your answer.  The best answer is written on the
board and anyone with that answer receives a point. 
8.  Create smaller or larger grids to adapt to your students level.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: This should be a group "fun" activity.  Not
only does it give them a relaxed environment to practice the skills
they've learned but it gives you a chance to evaluate their progress.

Check papers for:
  1.  Accuracy
  2.  Concepts learned
  3.  Speed

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