Missing Number Addition Activity
This missing number addition activity has children draw watermelon slices to find the unknown addend in 18 problems within 10. Made for kindergarten and 1st grade, with a practice page and answer key included.
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About this resource
Description
How to Teach Missing Addends
This missing number addition activity helps children find the unknown number in an addition problem such as 4 plus a box equals 7. Children start with the first number, add on until they reach the total, and count how many they added. Drawing slices of watermelon makes the missing part easy to see, and it builds the link between addition and subtraction. Every problem stays within 10. The activity fits kindergarten and 1st grade, and an answer key is included.
How to Use the Activity
Print the eighteen lettered Watermelon Cards on one side of the paper and cut them apart on the dashed lines. Children pick a card, write its letter on the Recording Sheet, and draw slices for the first number. Then they draw more slices until they reach the total and count the slices they added to find the missing number. Last, they write the whole problem in the boxes. This kindergarten addition activity works well in a math center, with a partner or in a small group. A kindergarten practice worksheet follows with five more missing number problems.
What’s Included
- A colorful cover page
- A How to Use page with prep and step-by-step directions
- 18 lettered Watermelon Cards with missing number addition problems
- A Watermelon Recording Sheet with a drawing space for each problem
- A kindergarten practice worksheet
- An answer key for the cards and an answer key for the practice worksheet
Why This Activity Helps Kids
First, counting on from the first number teaches a strategy children will use for all addition facts. Second, drawing the missing part turns an abstract box into something children can see and count. Third, finding missing addends prepares children for subtraction, because both ask how many more are needed.
Ideas for Teachers and Parents
Use real counters or paper slices for children who need a hands-on start. Ask children to explain how they found each missing number. Turn the cards into a quick warm-up by showing one card and having everyone hold up fingers for the answer. After the missing number addition activity, let children make their own watermelon problems for a friend to solve.
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