Basic Addition and Subtraction - An Introduction Lesson

Objectives:  The objectives of this lesson are:

1. To improve listening skills.
2. To introduce the concept of addition and subtraction.
3. To model proper written representation of algorithms. 
4. To expose students to the multi-media resource of Power Point.

Materials: 

1. Giant box of animal crackers
2. Construction Paper
3. Scissors
4. "The Cracker Snitcher" Power Point presentation   The Cracker Snitcher.ppt 

Bell Ringer: 

Each student will choose a piece of construction paper and make a plate in one of the six basic geometric shapes previously discussed.

Procedure:

1. Give each student at least ten animal crackers.
2. Present the Power Point of "The Cracker Snitcher" one slide at a time, stopping to discuss each addition and/or subtraction algorithm as appropriate. 
3. As the story progresses, have the students represent each algorithm on their plates using their animal crackers.
4. When the story is over, allow students to eat their crackers!

Assessment:

This lesson is designed as an introduction so no formal assessment on addition and subtraction will be done at this time.  It will be easy to see which students are able to listen and follow the algorithms of Henry McFed by looking at their "plates" as the story progresses.