Balancing Equations | Understanding the Meaning of the Equal Sign Addition

Understanding the meaning of the equal sign and balancing equations is one of the trickiest math concepts for our first graders to learn! Use these addition cards and center mats to help build a solid understanding of 1.OA.D.7 for your students.

What is included:

• 48 addition number sentences in color + black and white version
• Equal sign cards in color and black and white
• Number cards from 2-13 in color and black and white
• 3 center mats with a balance scale to build 3 levels of equal equations color & black and white version
• 3 center accountability worksheets
• Teacher direction pages
• Color cover to add to a storage container

How to use:

Whole-class/Small-group activity:

• The equation cards work great in a pocket chart. Display half of some equations and have your students help find cards to make the number sentences equal.
• This activity could be repeated daily to help build mathematical understanding. Display 5 cards a day in a small pocket chart and use it as part of your daily calendar or math warm-up time.

Centers:

• There are 3 levels of math mats to place in a center. They include a traditional equation, sum on the first side of the equal sign, and 2 addends on each side of the equation.
• Consider introducing the mats gradually through the year. Students use the mats and the number cards to make the scale balance.
• Accountability sheets are included for students to turn-in. You can choose any of the sheets to use with any of the mats.

True/False Lessons:

• Using the cards display some equations in a pocket chart, making some of them true and some of them false.
• Work through the problems together with your students to decide if each one is true or false.
• Take it a step further by changing the false equations to make them true.

See what others are saying:

"Great for centers or small group review of the concept of balanced equations. I love these cards!" -Cindy G.

"Love this. Makes balanced equations simple and hands on." -Elementary One Stop Shop

"I really like how this has students think about balancing equations and finding equations that are equal." -Ashley C.

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Hands-On Math Bundle

First Grade Math Mats