While I am generally not a proponent of memorizing math facts, there are some facts that are important and helpful to know because they aid students in problem solving strategies and form a solid foundation for later learning.
When working on addition, knowing and easily recalling the doubles addition facts helps with number sense and fluency, and can then be used to solve harder problems.
Addition Math Game
This Ladybug Doubles Addition Practice will help your kids master the doubles facts and practice the "doubles +1" addition strategy!
Included in this Ladybug Doubles Addition Practice Pack:
- Ladybug matching game (doubles from 1-9)
- Ladybug addition practice page
- "Doubles +1" strategy page and practice
Ladybug Doubles Addition Matching Game
The first pages in this download are cute ladybug matching cards, because practicing by playing games is so much more fun!
- To set it up, simply print the cards on card stock or scrapbook paper so they are not see through and then laminate for durability.
- Then cut out the cards and you're ready to play!
To play, simply lay the cards out in rows, face down.
Players then take turns flipping two cards. If they find a match between a ladybug and a math equation, they must solve the problem.
(For example, they must match the "2 + 2 =" card to the ladybug showing 2 spots plus 2 spots. They would then say, "2 + 2 = 4.")
If they do not solve the problem correctly, they must replace the cards.
Players take turns looking for matches and solving the problems until no cards remain.
The player with the most matches wins!
Ladybug Addition Math Worksheet
Students use the picture of the ladybug to write an addition sentence and then solve the problem.
This page includes addition facts within 20.
And finally, after practicing addition and mastering the doubles addition facts, you can introduce your kids to the "doubles + 1" addition strategy.
The point of this strategy is to use known facts (such as 7+7) to solve unknown problems (such as 7+8).
In other words, if your child knows that 7 + 7 = 14, then they can solve 7 + 8 as 7 + 7 + 1. This would be 14 + 1 = 15. (Hence the name, "Doubles + 1.").
The key to this is helping kids see when to use this strategy. The fact page gives one example, but take some time looking at lots of different examples and ask your child how they can use what they know to figure out what they don't know.
And try to let them think through and explain it in their own words rather than trying to get them to repeat things back word for word (because that's just more memorizing).
For example, give them the problem 6 + 5.
Now, since we have called this the "doubles + 1 " strategy, you can solve it using "5 + 5 = 10" and then add 1.
But your child might see that it is also just as true to add 6 + 6 and then subtract 1.
And that's great! There's always more than one way to solve a math problem, so encourage thinking, discussing and problem solving!
I hope you find this ladybug math pack to be not only a fun way to practice but also a tool to help your child with addition strategies!
Looking for more addition practice? You may like these number bond addition coloring pages!
Addition Games
- Hundreds Battleship Game
- Addition Mini Book (Adding 0-12)
- Apple Number Bonds Activity
- Cootie Catcher Math Game
- Deck of Cards: Addition
- Doggy Addition File Folder Game
- Firefly Catch Game (addition/subtraction)
- Flower Number Bonds Activity
- Gumball Math: Addition & Subtraction
- Money Mini Book
- Safari Count to 30 Game
- Solve & Stamp Math Worksheets (addition / subtraction)
- Spring Bird Addition File Folder Game
Download Ladybug Addition Math Game
Before you download your free pack you agree to the following:
- This set is for personal and classroom use only.
- This printable set may not be sold, hosted, reproduced, or stored on any other website or electronic retrieval system.
- Graphics Purchased and used with permission
- All downloadable material provided on this blog is copyright protected.
>> Download Ladybug Addition Math Game <<
Bethany is the mom behind the blog, Math Geek Mama, a website dedicated to making math fun and engaging, while building a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics. When she's not playing with numbers, she is exploring with her four little ones, drinking way too much coffee, or soaking up the chaos of everyday life. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
