Montana Math MT.K.OA.6

MathKindergartenOperations and Algebraic Thinking

The Standard

Recognize the characteristics of the commutative property in addition.

2026 Montana Mathematics Content Standards

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students put two groups together, then switch the order of the groups. They notice the total stays the same.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student shows 2 + 4 and 4 + 2 with counters and finds 6 both times. They can explain that the same two groups are there, just in a different order.
Common Misconceptions: Some students think moving a group to the front changes the total. Others change a number as well as the order, writing 2 + 3 and 3 + 3.
How to Assess It: Give each student 2 red cubes and 3 blue cubes. Ask them to show both orders and tell you whether the total changed.

Lesson moves

Give pairs 3 red and 2 blue counters; have them build two trains with the colors in opposite orders and count each train.
Write 1 + 4 and 4 + 1 on the board; ask, “Why do these have the same total?”
Play a card match: students pair cards such as 2 + 3 and 3 + 2, then check each pair with counters.
Put 2 apples and 3 oranges in a bag, then switch which fruit goes in first; ask whether the bag holds more fruit.

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