What’s Missing?

Now you see them, now you don't! This fun peek-a-boo activity engages young mathematicians in developing their ability to compose and decompose numbers. After being presented with a series of counters, children close their eyes while the teacher covers some of the counters with a piece of paper. Upon opening their eyes, students must determine how many counters are hidden. Start by performing this activity as a whole class or during small group rotations, eventually allowing children to play the game in pairs once they become comfortable with the process. For advanced learners, consider having them write addition and subtraction equations that represent each situation, leading them to an understanding of fact families.