The purpose of this lesson is for students to learn Stage 1 of the How Close? center. Students start with 5 number cards. For each round, they choose 3 of their cards to write an addition expression with three addends that has a value as close as possible to 20, the target number. The student with a sum closest to 20 gets a point for that round.

• Invite students to share their methods for making a sum close to 20. 

The purpose of this activity is for students to learn Stage 3 of the Five in a Row center. Students pick a card and decide to add 7, 8, or 9 to the number on their card. They then place a counter on the sum on the gameboard. If a player can’t make a sum that is uncovered on the gameboard, they pick another card. The game ends when a player gets 5 counters in a row or the board is filled.

The gameboard will be used again in upcoming lessons. Consider copying it on cardstock or laminating it for future use.

• “What method did you see your partner use to decide whether to add 7, 8, or 9?”