Addition and Subtraction Using Frames

 Children can easily solve the problems 2 + 7 = ___. They find it more difficult to solve the following problems:

2 + _ = 9

9 = 2 + __

9 = __ + 2

The materials can also be used to complete subtraction problems:

9 - __ = 7

7 = 9 - __

These number cards and the weighting scales can be used to allow the children to form their own sums, to then be recorded on the answer sheet. 

I had spent 5 days working on this concept with the children in my class using a variety of materials and there were still a number of children who could not understand the concept. This method worked and today, even my weakest children managed to create their own problems using these materials. After I took these photos, I made one small change to the mats having watched the children working with the materials. I placed an equals sign on top of the weight scales as it helped the weaker children to visualise the concept.

I laminated the number cards and gave each child a box containing 2 of each number card  and the operations cards. I also laminated the mats, to ensure they last longer.