Addition Within 20 — Practice Pack

Learning Objectives

• Add two numbers with a sum of 20 or less.
• Use the "counting on" strategy and "making ten" strategy to add efficiently.
• Solve simple real-world addition word problems within 20.

How to Use This Resource

• Presentation (8 min): Model "counting on" on a number line: for 8 + 5, start at 8 and count on 5 more (9, 10, 11, 12, 13).
• Making Ten (7 min): Show the "make a ten" strategy for near-ten facts, e.g. 9 + 4 = 9 + 1 + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13.
• Guided Practice (10 min): Work through 3-4 problems together on the board using counters, then a number line, then mental math.
• Independent Practice (10 min): Students complete the worksheet's addition grid and word problems.
• Wrap-up (5 min): Pairs check answers together and explain one strategy they used.

Classroom Activity Ideas

• Show 7 fingers, then 3 more fingers. Ask: "How many fingers in total?" Count all together to get 10, then repeat with a sum that goes past 10 to introduce today's focus.

Differentiation

Struggling students: allow counters/fingers for every problem and a printed number line at the desk. Advanced students: challenge them to solve the last 3 problems using make-a-ten mentally, without a number line.

Assessment

Review the completed addition grid for accuracy; listen during pair-checking for correct strategy explanations (counting on / making ten).

Teacher Tips

Encourage more than one correct strategy — some students will always count all, and that's fine at this stage as long as the answer is correct and they're building toward faster strategies over time.

What's Included

• Complete Lesson Pack PDF (lesson plan + student worksheet + answer key)
• Standalone printable Answer Key PDF
• Thumbnail and preview images

Additional Files

• Answer Key (Printable)

Teacher Reviews