Lesson 5

Addition with Larger Numbers

Est. Class Sessions: 4

Developing the Lesson

Part 4: Digits Game

Demonstrate the Digits Game. In this game, students attempt to make the largest or smallest answer to addition problems by strategically placing digits on a playing board. The playing board is a set of boxes arranged like an addition problem. The directions are on the Digits Game page in the Student Activity Book. Choose a playing board from the directions page and ask students to draw one on a piece of paper. Demonstrate how to play the game with the whole class. Using a set of the Digit Cards 0–9, draw one card at a time. Students place numbers in the boxes as read. Encourage students to think carefully as they place digits in the boxes. To place numbers advantageously, students have to use their knowledge of place value and notions about probability. Once a digit is placed, it cannot be moved.

When all the boxes are filled, students find the answer to the problem. Remind students to use the Addition Strategies Menu from the Student Guide Reference section as needed. See Figure 3. Since students with the largest correct answer win, ask them to use a second method to check their answers to see whether they are reasonable. Then, decide as a class which answer is the largest and which students win.

After a game is completed and students have found their answers, discuss their choices for placing numbers. Display a playing board that looks like the one in Figure 12.

Ask:

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  • If the playing board looks like this one and the first card drawn is an 8, where would you place it? (Possible response: I'd place in the hundreds place of the number on the top. That will ensure a large number.)
  • Does anyone have a different strategy? (I know that a 9 might be drawn so I'd put the 8 in the tens place and wait for the 9 for the hundreds place.)
  • If the 8 is placed in the tens place, does it make a difference whether it is placed in the top addend or the bottom? (No. It will add 8 tens to the total in either addend.)

Play the Digits Game. Students may play several games varying the playing board templates as shown on the Digits Game page. The game can be played with either largest or smallest answers. Have students begin playing to find the largest sum. They can switch to finding the smallest sum after a few rounds. Students can play the Digits Game at home with a family member.

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Digits Game can be played as a whole class with one leader or in small groups. To meet individual needs, group students based on similar needs. If students need additional support, ask them to use a playing board with fewer digits and to use more conceptual strategies (e.g., base ten pieces, expanded form). Students who are ready for more challenging problems can play together using playing boards with more digits and changing the goal from the largest to the smallest answer more often.

Student Guide:
Student Activity Book: 193
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SG_Mini
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Master:
Sample template for Digits Game
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