Story cards help children see what changes when a group gains or loses objects. Use counters and a mat first, then ask children to connect the story action to an equation.
At a glance
Show the starting amount, act out the change, and tell what the answer represents.
1. Read the whole story
Ask what happened and what children need to find. Keep the card visible for the reread.
2. Put out the starting group
Move one counter per number word. Ask children what that group represents.
3. Act out the change
Add or move counters away as you reread. If the change is missing, compare the starting and ending groups.
4. Record an equation
Point to the pieces as you write each number. Explain what the operation represents in the story.
5. Try another theme
Keep the same math structure and change the picture. See whether students can model it on their own.
A classroom example
In a fictional first-grade group, Dev uses the ending amount as the number taken away. His teacher puts the two groups side by side. Dev compares them and moves the correct number of pieces.
Companion printable
The 35-page PDF includes 96 stories within ten, four Christmas themes, work mats, counters, recording pages, and an answer key.
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