How many more? · Ages 7–8
18 plus what equals 26?
Does your child answer 44 to “18 plus what equals 26?” It isn’t necessarily carelessness: a word like “more” makes you think of adding, and the two numbers don’t say the same thing. This free printable shows how to fill in up to the number we want, with questions instead of corrections, crates of ten boxes and a mystery cup.
Download the printable (PDF, 2 pages)US Letter size. Print single-sided, at 100% (actual size). Black and white is fine.
Page 1, for you
- Why “more means plus” is an understandable reaction, and what the two numbers say.
- The key idea, in a simple diagram: a slip of 24, 17 already there, 7 missing; fill in by steps, or take away.
- What is always true (what’s missing is never more than the number we want) and two traps.
- Three questions to ask instead of correcting.
- The activities: about thirty pieces of pasta in two shapes and an opaque cup, out of reach of toddlers; give your child only page 2.
- Notes to read after your child has worked it out, and a cut-out slip for a few days later.
Page 2, for your child
- A page with written instructions, which your child fills in.
- Mina says “More means plus!”: “Do you agree with Mina?”
- Seven steps: predict, fill in, check, another way, the mystery cup (with an adult), explain, then a family challenge.
- Three crates of ten boxes to shade when there is no pasta, and two boxes to write A or B in.
Our videos for parents
This printable goes with the “How Many More?” episode of “Understand the concept,” our video series for parents. Find our videos on Ludip’s YouTube channel.
Visit Ludip’s YouTube channelLudip: Math & Science Stories
Ludip is a collection of math and science comic series for kids. Every episode tells a story around one concept to understand, then activities invite your child to explore it through play. Ludip is coming to iPhone, iPad and Android.
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