Description

This differentiated math activity will appeal to your kinesthetic, spatial, and logical learners as they build numbers on a tens frame. You can use materials provided here or supplement this activity with a variety of buttons for your students to use instead.

It addresses Common Core State Standards:
CC.K.2: Can count on from a given number.
CC.K.5: Given a number from 1-20, count out that many objects.
K.0A.4 Given a number between 1-9, find the number that makes 10 when added.

It is tiered to meet the readiness levels of early learners and those who need the challenge of bigger numbers to keep them engaged. It is also self-correcting so students can use it independently. For students just starting out with number recognition use the single tens frame and game cards 0-10. They can simply build the numbers, write the number and write the numbers that come after by counting on. (Tier 1) . For students who are ready to be challenged beyond those numbers, offer game cards 0-20 and the corresponding playing mat (Tier 2).
Finally, there is the option of having students find the number that will make 10 when added (Tier 3).

Teachers: Copy off enough playing mats for each student to have one, plus several copies of the self-correcting cards laminate. Cut apart the game cards and fold on the dotted line. Secure the flap with a paperclip or clothes pin (I prefer clothes pins). Using the included button pieces or your own real button manipulatives, students build the number. Students may use this activity independently as they practice producing numbers or as a game with each child having a building mat. One child selects a card and shows students the number without saying it. The first student to produce the number correctly on their mat, gets to keep the playing card. Play until all the cards are won and then count them up to see who is the Top Ginger Button Builder.