Base Ten Block Bonanza: Adding with Blocks!

Math Grades 1st Grade 8:59 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to add numbers using base ten blocks! This lesson will help you understand how blocks can represent numbers and make adding easier and more fun.

Video Resource

Addition with Base 10 Blocks | Math | 1st Grade - Kids Academy

Kids Academy

Duration: 8:59
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Base Ten Blocks
  • Units (Ones)
  • Addition

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify units (ones) using base ten blocks.
  • Students will be able to add numbers within 20 using base ten blocks as a visual aid.
  • Students will be able to write the number sentence that matches the base ten block representation.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about addition. Introduce the concept of using blocks to help count and add. Explain that these blocks are called base ten blocks and that we will be using them to make addition easier!
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the "Addition with Base 10 Blocks" video from Kids Academy. Encourage students to pay close attention to how the blocks are used to represent numbers and solve addition problems.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    After watching the video, work through a few example problems together as a class. Use physical base ten blocks (if available) or draw them on the board. Focus on how to identify the number each block represents and how to combine them for addition. Reiterate that when ten single blocks are together, they form a ten block.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with worksheets or drawing tools. Have them create their own addition problems using base ten blocks and then write the corresponding number sentence. Have the children work on the questions in the multiple choice and fill in the blank quiz below as worksheets.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the main concepts of the lesson. Ask students to share what they learned about using base ten blocks for addition.

Interactive Exercises

  • Block Building
    Provide students with base ten blocks. Call out addition problems (e.g., 5 + 2). Have students build each number using the blocks and then combine them to find the total.
  • Drawing Blocks
    Give students addition problems and have them draw base ten blocks to represent each number and solve the problem.

Discussion Questions

  • What is a base ten block?
  • How can base ten blocks help us with addition?
  • What happens when we have ten single blocks?

Skills Developed

  • Addition
  • Number Representation
  • Problem Solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does this block represent: [Image of a single unit block]

Correct Answer: One

Question 2:

What does this block represent: [Image of a ten block]

Correct Answer: Ten

Question 3:

If you have 3 single blocks and add 2 more, how many do you have?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

Which number sentence matches: [Image of 4 single blocks + 1 single block]

Correct Answer: 4 + 1 = 5

Question 5:

Which of these shows ten blocks?

Correct Answer: OOOOOOOOOO

Question 6:

You have 5 blocks. Your friend gives you 2 more. How many blocks do you have in all?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 7:

Which number sentence is correct?

Correct Answer: 3 + 2 = 5

Question 8:

If you have one 'ten' block and 3 single blocks, how many blocks do you have in all?

Correct Answer: 13

Question 9:

Which number matches these blocks: OOO OOOO

Correct Answer: 7

Question 10:

What does '+' mean?

Correct Answer: Add

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A single block represents the number ____.

Correct Answer: 1

Question 2:

A long block of ten represents the number ____.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 3:

4 + 2 = ____

Correct Answer: 6

Question 4:

If you have 5 blocks and get 3 more, you have ____ blocks in all.

Correct Answer: 8

Question 5:

When we add, we are putting numbers ____.

Correct Answer: together

Question 6:

OOOO + OO = ____

Correct Answer: 6

Question 7:

10 + 2 = ____

Correct Answer: 12

Question 8:

The sign '+' means to ____.

Correct Answer: add

Question 9:

We use base ten blocks to help us ____.

Correct Answer: count

Question 10:

A group of ten ones is called a ____.

Correct Answer: ten

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.B.2.A:10 can be thought of as a bundle of ten ones — called a 'ten.' 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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