Lesson 13

The purpose of this lesson is for students to create an addition or subtraction story problem.

In previous lessons, students have represented and solved a variety of Add To, Result Unknown and Take From, Result Unknown story problems. In this optional lesson, students apply what they’ve learned about story problems throughout the section to tell a story problem that includes an action and a question. Students share and solve story problems with their partner. When students change the story to change the action and the mathematical operation of the problem they understand how addition and subtraction model actions in the real world (MP2, MP4). 

• Cut out enough 5-frames to make a chart with a space for each student to answer the survey question.

• Each group of 2 needs 10 two-color counters.
• Gather materials from: 
  • Bingo, Stages 1-3
  • Math Fingers, Stages 1-3
  • Math Stories, Stages 1 and 2
  • Subtraction Towers, Stage 1
  • 5-frames, Stages 1 and 2
  • Counting Collections, Stage 1

Students shared their thinking multiple times in this lesson. What have you noticed about the language students use? What support can you offer to students who struggle to communicate their ideas orally?