Do you want a no-prep math activity that you can use with almost any grade-level? Do you like to feel confident that you're building strong number sense? Would you like to know you're creating a smooth segue into pre-algebra? If so, let's play "No More"!
When I say "no prep", I mean it! Simply stroll to the whiteboard or SmartBoard and sketch this:
Next, pick a number. I typically use the day's date at the beginning of the year, but you can pick any number. Write the number at the top.
Now, challenge students to call out as many different ways as they can think of to "express" that number.
This is a beautiful way to get used to identifying just what a mathematical expression is - another way to say a number. I always make an ELA connection here, explaining that I can refer to a child, say Jayden, with different expressions. I can refer to Jayden as, "Jayden", "Mr. Williams", "the boy closest to the door", "the guy in the red shirt", "one of my students", etc. In the same way, we can refer to numbers in just as many ways.
As you get started, students will typically share fairly simple expressions although some students are ready for more advanced examples:
You get the idea. You're guiding students to think deeply about how to create a number and they're understanding the difference between expressions and equations.
Consider adding this to interactive math notebooks, assigning it as a warm-up, and letting kids collaborate before they share. I'd love for you to try "No More" and let me know how it works for you!