Adding Fun: Let's Add Three Numbers!

Math Grades 1st Grade 6:54 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to add three single-digit numbers together! Discover that you can add them in any order and still get the same answer. We'll use shapes and fun activities to help us learn!

Video Resource

Grade 1: Saxon Math Lesson # 121 Adding Three Single-Digit Numbers So Easy!

The Eagle's Nest - Our Online Classroom

Duration: 6:54
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Key Concepts

  • Adding three single-digit numbers
  • Commutative property of addition (order doesn't matter)
  • Using manipulatives (shapes) to visualize addition

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to add three single-digit numbers together.
  • Students will understand that the order in which they add the numbers does not change the sum.
  • Students will be able to use objects or drawings to help them add.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by welcoming the students and telling them that today they will learn about adding three numbers together. Remind them that they are already good at adding two numbers, and they will do a great job with three!
  • Adding with Shapes (10 mins)
    Show an example on the board, like 4 + 1 + 5. Use shapes (parallelograms, hexagons, trapezoids) to represent each number. Explain that they can add any two numbers first. Add 4 + 1 = 5 first, then add 5 + 5 = 10. Repeat, but this time add 1 + 5 = 6 first, then add 4 + 6 = 10. Emphasize that the answer is the same no matter which order they add in.
  • Vertical Addition (5 mins)
    Show an example written vertically, like 2 + 4 + 3. Again, use shapes to represent each number. Have the students choose which two numbers to add first. Demonstrate both options (2 + 3 first, or 2 + 4 first) and show that the answer is the same (9).
  • Practice Time (10 mins)
    Have the students practice adding three numbers on their own. They can draw circles to help them, or use objects like blocks or counters. Encourage them to try adding the numbers in different orders to see that the answer stays the same.
  • Wrap Up (5 mins)
    Review what they learned today. Remind them that adding three numbers is easy, and they can add the numbers in any order they want. Encourage them to keep practicing!

Interactive Exercises

  • Shape Addition
    Give each student a worksheet with several addition problems involving three numbers. They should draw shapes or use small objects (like counters or beans) to help them solve the problems.
  • Order Up!
    Write an addition problem on the board (e.g., 3 + 2 + 4). Have different students come up and solve the problem by adding two different pairs of numbers first. For example, one student could add 3 + 2 first, while another adds 2 + 4 first. Show that both methods result in the same answer.

Discussion Questions

  • Can you think of a time when you needed to add more than two things together?
  • Does it matter which numbers you add first when you are adding three numbers? Why or why not?

Skills Developed

  • Addition
  • Problem-solving
  • Visual representation
  • Number sense

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is 2 + 1 + 3?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 2:

If you have 3 apples, 1 banana, and 2 oranges, how many fruits do you have in all?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 3:

Which numbers can you add first in 1 + 2 + 3?

Correct Answer: Any two numbers

Question 4:

What is 4 + 0 + 2?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 5:

What is 1 + 1 + 1?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 6:

What is 5 + 2 + 1?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 7:

You have 2 blue blocks, 3 red blocks, and 1 green block. How many blocks do you have?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 8:

What is 0 + 3 + 3?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 9:

What is 2 + 2 + 2?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 10:

What is 1 + 4 + 1?

Correct Answer: 6

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

2 + 3 + 1 = _______

Correct Answer: 6

Question 2:

1 + 1 + 2 = _______

Correct Answer: 4

Question 3:

3 + 0 + 2 = _______

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

If you add 4 + 1 + 0, you get _______

Correct Answer: 5

Question 5:

When we add, the numbers are called _______.

Correct Answer: addends

Question 6:

1 + 2 + 5 = _______

Correct Answer: 8

Question 7:

0 + 0 + 5 = _______

Correct Answer: 5

Question 8:

3 + 2 + 2 = _______

Correct Answer: 7

Question 9:

The answer to an addition problem is called the _______.

Correct Answer: sum

Question 10:

1 + 3 + 4 = _______

Correct Answer: 8

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.2:Solve word problems that call for addition of three whole numbers whose sum is less than or equal to 20, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.B.3:Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract. (Students need not use formal terms for these properties.) Examples: If 8 + 3 = 11 is known, then 3 + 8 = 11 is also known. (Commutative property of addition.) To add 2 + 6 + 4, the second two numbers can be added to make a ten, so 2 + 6 + 4 = 2 + 10 = 12. (Associative property of addition.) CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6:Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14); decomposing a number leading to a ten (e.g., 13 - 4 = 13 - 3 - 1 = 10 - 1 = 9); using the relationship between addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one knows 12 - 8 = 4); and creating equivalent but easier or known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 by creating the known equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13).

Teaching Materials

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