5, 6 and 7 Fluency

If you've been using some of my math warm up ideas for fluency within 5 I have another one for you that you can use as a platform to extend into 6 and 7. 

Use the activity with 5 craft sticks on the first day to help students become familiar with the rules and then on the 2 following days you can challenge them with 6 and 7. 

They will find the combinations that make 5 by building a house for mouse using craft sticks of 2 colors.

House for Mouse

  • provide craft sticks in 2 colors
  • ask students to put a mouse in the center of their work area
  • ask students to use the sticks to make a house (show them how to make a house shape with 5 sticks)
  • students tell you the numbers or write them down - e.g. 4 and 1, 1 and 4, 2 and 3, 3 and 2, 5 and 0, 0 and 5


Tips: 
  • have the sticks sorted prior to your warm up
  • keep the warm up short, practical and focussed on the essential skill- seeing the combinations that make 5 and being able to recall them quickly (keep asking them to tell you the numbers and check if they can tell you without looking at their houses)

Here is a printable mouse if you'd like to use one: House for a Mouse Mice



On the following day make a house with 6 sticks, again recording the combinations - e.g. 4 and 2.



And perhaps even a house of 7 sticks, depending on how quickly your students are readily recalling the combinations. 


I hope your students love making their houses and having fun with math!