Students will enhance their number sense and quick mental calculation skills by actively participating in a game that requires rapid number identification and basic arithmetic.
Developing strong number sense is crucial for success in all areas of mathematics. This lesson provides a fun, interactive way for students to practice mental math and quick recall, making foundational skills more engaging and accessible for all learners.
Audience
Elementary School Students (adaptable for various grade levels), including ESL and 504 students.
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive game-based learning with quick rounds and visual aids.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or digital pen, Set of number cards (0-9) per group (can be handmade or printed) Numbers Race Game, and Optional: Small prizes for winning teams/individuals
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
Review the Numbers Race! Lesson Plan and Numbers Race Game. - Prepare a whiteboard or projector to display numbers. - Create or print sets of number cards (0-9) for each small group of students. Ensure cards are large enough to be easily seen. - Decide on 3-4 simple math operations to focus on (e.g., addition, subtraction, simple multiplication).
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-up
5 minutes
Greet students and introduce the day's exciting math challenge: "Today, we're going to play a game that will make your brains super speedy with numbers!" - Briefly explain what number sense is: understanding numbers and how they work together. - Ask a quick warm-up question: "If I have 3 apples and get 2 more, how many do I have?" (Encourage quick, mental answers.)
Step 2
Introduce Numbers Race Game
10 minutes
Explain the rules of the Numbers Race Game. - Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group). - Distribute a set of number cards (0-9) to each group. - Model one round of the game with the whole class to ensure understanding, focusing on clear, simple instructions and visual cues for ESL learners. - Emphasize teamwork and respectful competition.
Step 3
Play Numbers Race Game
10 minutes
Facilitate several rounds of the Numbers Race Game. - Announce operations and target numbers clearly. - Circulate among groups, providing support and encouragement. - For 504 students, allow extra time for processing if needed, or pair them with a supportive peer. - For ESL students, use gestures, visual aids, and repeat instructions as necessary. Encourage them to use numbers they are comfortable with first.
Step 4
Wrap-up & Reflection
5 minutes
Bring the class back together. - Ask students: "What was challenging about the game? What strategies did you use?" - Reiterate the importance of quick thinking with numbers. - Thank students for their participation and positive energy.
Slide Deck
Welcome to Numbers Race!
Ready, Set, THINK!
Today, we're going to boost our number sense with a fun game!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting math challenge for today. Explain that we'll be making our brains 'super speedy' with numbers. Briefly ask what 'number sense' means to them – understanding how numbers work and relate.
How to Play Numbers Race!
The Goal:
Combine your number cards to reach a 'target number' as fast as you can!
The Rules:
Work in small groups.
Each group gets number cards (0-9).
Teacher calls out an operation (+, -, x) AND a Target Number.
Use 2 or more of your cards to make the Target Number.
Example: Target is 7. Operation is (+). You could use a 3 and a 4 (3+4=7)!
First group to show the correct combination wins the round!
Introduce the game: Numbers Race. Explain the goal is to be the first to combine cards to reach a target number using a given operation. Go through the rules clearly, step-by-step. Emphasize using visual cues and repeating instructions for ESL students. Explain group formation.
Let's Practice!
Practice Round Example:
Operation: Addition (+)
Target Number: 5
How would you make 5 using your cards?
(Possible answers: 5+0, 4+1, 3+2)
Facilitate a practice round with the whole class. Display an operation and a target number. Ask students to verbally or physically show how they would combine cards. This helps ensure everyone understands before playing in groups. Remind them to be supportive of their teammates.
Game Time: Numbers Race!
Round 1: Let the Race Begin!
Operation: [Teacher Announces]
Target Number: [Teacher Announces]
Ready, Set, GO!
Start the main game. Clearly announce the operation and target number for each round. Circulate, observe, and provide support. Encourage students to think quickly but also to help each other. For 504 students, allow slightly more thinking time if needed. For ESL, point to the operation symbols and numbers as you say them.
Reflect and Celebrate!
What did you learn?
What was challenging about the game?
What strategies did you use to find the numbers quickly?
Why is it important to be good with numbers?
Great job, mathematicians!
Lead the class in a brief reflection. Ask open-ended questions about what they found challenging and what strategies helped them. Reiterate the value of good number sense in everyday life. Conclude with positive reinforcement.
Activity
Numbers Race Game!
Get ready to make your brains super speedy with numbers!
How to Play:
Get into your groups! Each group will have a set of number cards (0-9).
Listen carefully! Your teacher will call out two important things:
An Operation (like + for addition, - for subtraction, or x for multiplication).
A Target Number (the number you need to make).
Work together! As a group, quickly use two or more of your number cards to create the Target Number using the given operation.
Example: If the teacher says "Addition (+) and Target Number 7", you could use a 3 card and a 4 card (because 3 + 4 = 7!). You could also use a 5 card and a 2 card (because 5 + 2 = 7!).
Show your answer! The first group to correctly show their cards and explain how they made the Target Number wins the round!
Remember:
Teamwork makes the dream work! Help each other in your group.
