Florida B.E.S.T. MA.K.AR.2.1

MathKindergartenDevelop an understanding of the equal sign.

The Standard

Explain why addition or subtraction equations are true using objects or drawings.

Florida B.E.S.T. Standards for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students use counters, cubes, or pictures to show what happens in an addition or subtraction equation. They explain why both sides name the same amount.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students model both sides and show that they have the same amount. They explain how joining or removing objects makes the equation true.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think the equal sign means “the answer comes next.” They may count incorrectly after joining or removing objects, or explain only one side of the equation.
How to Assess It: Give students the equation 5 − 2 = 3. Ask them to draw a picture that proves it is true and explain their drawing.

Lesson moves

Give students counters and equation cards, then have them build both sides and check whether the amounts match.
Show 2 + 3 = 5 and ask, “How does your picture prove both sides are equal?”
Play Equation Match by pairing each addition or subtraction card with a drawing that shows the same quantities.
Set up a snack story, such as six crackers with two eaten, and have students draw why 6 − 2 = 4.

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