K.3.C

MathKindergartenNumber and operations

The Standard

explain the strategies used to solve problems involving adding and subtracting within 10 using spoken words, concrete and pictorial models, and number sentences

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students solve addition and subtraction problems with totals up to 10. They explain their method aloud and show how objects, drawings, and equations represent the same thinking.

What Mastery Looks Like

Students choose a sensible strategy, such as counting on, counting back, or making a model. They connect their objects or drawing to a correct equation and explain each step clearly.

Common Misconceptions

Students may count all objects again instead of counting on, or add when the story calls for subtraction. They may draw a model that does not match their equation. Some can find an answer but cannot explain how their model shows it.

How to Assess It

Give students the prompt, “There are 6 birds. 2 fly away. Show and solve the problem, then tell how you found the answer.” Check for a matching model, equation, answer, and spoken explanation.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Give pairs counters and ten-frames to solve 7 minus 3, then have each student point to the model while explaining the steps.

  2. Show two different drawings for 5 plus 3 and ask, “How does each drawing show the same equation?”

  3. Play Strategy Match by having students match story cards, picture cards, equations, and spoken strategy cards for problems within 10.

  4. Set up a class snack problem with 8 crackers and 3 eaten, then model, write, and explain how many remain.

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