G.1 Addition with blocks - sums up to 10
Addition Up to 10 Using Colored blocks
Using colored blocks helps students visually understand addition by combining groups to find the total number of blocks.
- There are 4 blue blocks and 3 red blocks. How many blocks are there in all? → 4 + 3 = 7
- John has 5 yellow blocks. He gets 2 more green blocks. How many blocks does John have now? → 5 + 2 = 7
- On the table, there are 0 orange blocks and 6 pink blocks. What is the total? → 0 + 6 = 6
Encourage children to group blocks by color first, then count the total to better visualize the addition process.
Translating Block Addition Into Number Sentences
Students learn to write addition sentences from the story of colored blocks by identifying the numbers involved and using plus (+) and equals (=) signs.
- "3 blue blocks and 4 red blocks" → 3 + 4 = 7
- "7 green blocks plus 2 yellow blocks" → 7 + 2 = 9
- "0 orange blocks and 5 pink blocks" → 0 + 5 = 5
Use actual colored blocks or images so students can manipulate objects before writing the number sentence.
Finding the Sum and Checking With Blocks
After forming the addition sentence, students solve for the total and can check their answer by counting the blocks together.
- 4 + 5 = 9 (Four blocks plus five blocks equal nine blocks)
- 6 + 3 = 9 (Six blocks combined with three blocks make nine blocks)
- 2 + 0 = 2 (Two blocks plus zero blocks is still two blocks)
Encourage students to count out loud or use their fingers to verify the total after adding the blocks.
Using Number Words with Colored blocks
Reading and saying number sentences aloud reinforces number recognition and connects spoken words with math symbols.
- "Four plus three equals seven" → 4 + 3 = 7
- "Five plus two equals seven" → 5 + 2 = 7
- "Zero plus six equals six" → 0 + 6 = 6
Have students practice saying number sentences with peers to build confidence in math vocabulary and fluency.