Twelve Days of Mathematics for Christmas-Day 11-K3

Eleven is the first “teen” number beginning mathematicians encounter. Today’s activity employs children’s literature and manipulatives. If possible, use the children’s book 12 Ways to Get to 11 by Eve Merriam. Have Cuisenaire rods, unifix cubes, or other manipulatives on hand for students as needed. Based upon the individual needs of your children show them the title and allow them to work in pairs to see how many of the 12 ways they can discover to make 11. Alternatively, as you read the story allow the children time to model the various compositions of 11 that are shown in the story. Encourage children to use various representations for their models – drawings, words, equations, sketches of their manipulative models, etc.

This activity is good for students with dyslexia and language-based learning deficiencies. We'd really like to hear about your experience with our resources. Just give it a star rating then tell us what you think, simple as that!