Equal Equations

When we started learning addition equations, I started talking about the meaning of the equal sign.  At first, I just used the equal sign and tried to explain that both sides had to be the same worth.  I looked out and saw glazed eyeballs and blank stares.  Then, I had an epiphany.

I told them the equal sign was like a balance.  In order to use the equal sign, both sides had to "weigh" the same.  All of a sudden, I saw nodding heads, smiles, and light bulbs.  What an empowering moment as a teacher!  

I just finished a product to help build fluency with addition and subtraction facts through 20.  It also is designed to help your kiddos understand the meaning of the equal sign.  There is a recording sheet, so this would be a great math center or math review activity.

 

If you would like to take a look, click here.