Learning to Add and Subtract

Ann shows that Emma had 3 crayons and was given 2 more.

Emma had 3 crayons.  A friend gave her 2 more crayons.  How many crayons does she have now?

Students are learning to figure out these problems for themselves.  We are not writing equations, but using the words joining and separating so that students can develop a solid understanding of what each operation means before we introduce the symbols.  An important step in this activity is for students to explain to others how they worked out the problem.

Vyla shows that when Emma joined the 3 crayons she had with the 2 crayons a friend gave her, she now has 5 crayons.