Students will collaborate in small groups to solve addition and subtraction problems within 1,000 with accuracy and fluency, using place-value strategies and mental math.
Mastery of addition and subtraction within 1,000 builds foundational number sense and paves the way for more complex math. Collaborative, game-based practice boosts engagement, confidence, and peer learning.
Review the rules and sample problems on the ninja cards to ensure familiarity.
Step 1
Warm-Up and Modeling
5 minutes
Gather students at the class whiteboard.
Model solving one addition and one subtraction problem within 1,000 using place-value strategies (e.g., breaking numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones).
Ask two volunteers to demonstrate the same on their dry-erase boards.
Provide brief feedback and set goals for future practice.
Slide Deck
Number Ninjas Unite!
Mastering Addition & Subtraction within 1,000
TEKS 3.5A Tier 1 Lesson – 30 Minutes
Welcome, Number Ninjas! Today we’re on a mission to master addition and subtraction within 1,000. Get ready to work together, sharpen your strategies, and earn points as you conquer ninja problems.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of today, students will:
• Collaborate in small groups to solve addition and subtraction problems within 1,000
• Use place-value strategies and mental math with accuracy
• Build fluency and confidence through game-based practice
Read through each objective with students. Emphasize collaboration, accuracy, and fluency. Let them know they’ll use place-value strategies and mental math to solve problems.
Warm-Up & Modeling
• Gather at the class whiteboard
• I will model one addition and one subtraction problem within 1,000, using place-value strategies
• Two volunteers will solve similar problems on dry-erase boards
• Focus on clear steps and checking your answer
Explain that before we head to stations, we’ll warm up at the whiteboard. Model clear notation, step-by-step thinking, and checking work. Invite volunteers.
Walk through each example slowly, narrating your thought process: "I see 456 + 378. I add 6 + 8 = 14, write 4, carry 1…" Encourage students to ask questions.
Explain station rules and roles. Emphasize teamwork: one draws a card, one solves, one records. Remind them to use place-value methods and check each other’s work.
Closing & Reflection
• Share one effective strategy your group used
• Highlight clear solutions and strong methods
• Turn in your Ninja Group Recording Sheet for review
• Set a goal: “I will…” for my next ninja challenge
Bring everyone back together. Invite each group to share one strategy they found helpful. Collect the group recording sheets for quick feedback and set goals for next time.
Worksheet
Addition-Subtraction Ninja Cards
Cut along the dotted lines to create individual problem cards. Distribute one deck per group for game play. Students solve each problem on their dry-erase boards before recording their answers.
Card
Problem
Card
Problem
1
345 + 678 =
11
712 – 389 =
2
129 + 456 =
12
805 – 417 =
3
587 + 314 =
13
643 – 278 =
4
764 + 225 =
14
930 – 568 =
5
498 + 506 =
15
254 – 179 =
6
213 + 789 =
16
841 – 362 =
7
159 + 832 =
17
700 – 445 =
8
576 + 399 =
18
992 – 607 =
9
647 + 283 =
19
318 – 147 =
10
805 + 197 =
20
560 – 299 =
(Teacher: Print this page and cut each card along the dotted line above.)
Worksheet
Ninja Group Recording Sheet
Record each ninja card your group draws. For each problem, rewrite the problem, solve it, and describe the place-value or mental math strategy you used.
Card Number
Problem
Solution
Strategy Used
Teachers: Make enough copies so each group has one sheet for the station activity.
Activity
Ninja Scoreboard Chart
Use this chart to track each group’s points during your 30-minute session. Award one □ for every correct answer. After all rounds, count the checked boxes and record the total in the last column.
Group Name
Points Earned (mark one □ per correct problem)
Total Points
Group 1
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Group 2
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Group 3
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Group 4
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Group 5
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Teachers:
Make a large poster or chart paper version for each table group.
Have students fill in one box per point and then tally their total at the end.
Add or remove rows as needed to match the number of groups in your class.
