Grade Level

Kindergarten-4th Grade (Differentiated for K-1 and 2-4 as noted)

Duration

20 minutes

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Learning Objectives (Aligned to Common Core State Standards)

• Kindergarten (K.OA.A.1, K.OA.A.2):

  • I can solve addition and subtraction word problems within 10 by using objects or drawings.
  • I can fluently add and subtract within 5.

• Grades 1-2 (1.OA.C.6, 2.OA.B.2):

  • I can add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10.
  • I can solve word problems involving addition and subtraction within 20.

• Grades 3-4 (3.OA.A.1, 3.NBT.A.2, 4.OA.A.3):

  • I can interpret products of whole numbers and use properties of operations to solve problems.
  • I can fluently add and subtract within 1000 (modified for small group focusing on within 20).
  • I can solve multi-step word problems using addition and subtraction within 100.

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I Can Statements

• I can add and subtract numbers up to 20.
• I can use objects, drawings, and number sentences to show my thinking.
• I can explain my answers in my own words.
• I can use different strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems.

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Success Criteria

• I can correctly solve addition and subtraction problems up to 20.
• I can explain how I found my answer using pictures or numbers.
• I can use manipulatives or drawings when I get stuck.
• I can check my answer by counting or using mental math.

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Materials Needed

• Number cards (0-20)
• Counters or small objects (e.g., beads, blocks)
• Whiteboards and markers
• Dyslexia-friendly font flashcards (Sans serif, large size)
• Visual number line (0-20)
• Word problem cards with pictures

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Lesson Breakdown (20 minutes)

1. Introduction and Warm-up (3 minutes)

• Activity:
  Show the number line from 0 to 20. Invite children to say aloud numbers as you point to each one.
  “I can count numbers up to 20.”
• Differentiation: For K students, focus on counting 0-10 first. For older students, emphasize 0-20 confidently.

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2. Visual Addition and Subtraction Exploration (7 minutes)

• Activity:
  Introduce counters for students. Give them addition and subtraction problems using number cards (examples: 7+5, 15-8).
  Students use counters to model the problem physically and then write the number sentence on whiteboards.

  Example:
  Add 7 + 5: Put 7 counters, then add 5 more, count total.
  Subtract 15 - 8: Start with 15 counters, remove 8, count those left.

• I can statement:
  “I can use objects and number lines to add and subtract numbers up to 20.”

• Differentiation:

  • Struggling learners receive physical counters and guided steps.
  • Advanced learners encouraged to solve two-step word problems with the same toolkit.

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3. Guided Word Problem Practice (6 minutes)

• Activity:
  Present simple word problems with pictures (example for younger students: “Tom has 9 apples. He gives 4 to his friend. How many apples does Tom have now?”).
  For older, use two-step problems: “Samantha has 12 marbles. She loses 3 and then finds 4 more. How many does she have now?”

  Students draw or use counters to solve. Teacher models thinking aloud.

• I can statement:
  “I can solve word problems by drawing pictures and using numbers.”

• Differentiation:

  • Provide sentence starters for students with reading challenges.
  • For dyslexic learners, use dyslexia-friendly printed word problems (clear font, spacing, and illustration).
  • Advanced learners write their own addition/subtraction word problems.

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4. Wrap-up and Sharing (4 minutes)

• Invite students to share one problem they solved and explain their strategy (manipulatives, number line, or drawing).

• Recap key ideas with questions:

  • “How did you find your answer?”
  • “What can you do if you don’t know the answer right away?”

• Success check: Students demonstrate use of at least one strategy to solve a problem independently.

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategy
Struggling Learners	Small group guided support, use of physical manipulatives, sentence starters for word problems.
Dyslexic Learners	Provide dyslexia-friendly text in large, sans serif fonts with clear spacing and visuals.
Advanced Learners	Two-step word problems; challenge to create problems; mental math encouragement.
English Language Learners	Use visuals, gestures, and peer-support; scaffold vocabulary with images.

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Extension Activities (for early finishers or advanced learners)

• Create your own addition and subtraction story problems with drawings and share with the class.
• Use number bonds to break down numbers up to 20 and find different ways to make the same number (e.g., 18 = 10 + 8 or 15 + 3).

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Teacher Tips to Impress

• Use real-life objects (fruits, classroom items) to connect math to everyday experiences.
• Incorporate movement by having students jump on number lines taped on the floor to physically "add" or "subtract" steps.
• Invite students to explain math vocabulary in their own words to deepen understanding.

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By embedding multiple modalities, active participation, and scaffolding strategies, this math lesson fosters conceptual understanding and fluency in addition and subtraction up to 20 while meeting Common Core standards.