Let's Chat: 5-Frames (Large Group)
Purpose: Explore partitions of five using 5-frames
Description: Students explore partitions of five with the support of a 5-frame.
What To Say and Do
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1
Introduce students to a 5-frame, filled with 5 dots of the same color, and ask them to share what they see. Establish that the cards they see will always have 5 dots with either all the same color or a combination of two colors.
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2
Present the 5-frame cards in a sequential order (i.e., 5 blue dots, 4 blue dots and 1 red dot, 3 blue dots and 2 red dots, etc.) while asking the following prompts:
- How many blue dots?
- How many red dots?
- How many altogether?
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3
Ask the students to share if they notice any patterns while looking over the frames (e.g., the number of dots altogether is always 5 so 3 blue and 2 red is same as 2 blue and 3 red).
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4
Repeat activity, presenting cards in random order and asking, “How did we make 5 this time?”
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5
When students are identifying the combinations with ease, move to showing the frames briefly - approximately ½ second - before turning them over. After flashing the cards, repeat the prompts used earlier.
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6
Prior to discussing or verifying the number of dots on the frame, allow time for students to discuss what they observed with a partner. Ask students to explain how they knew what they saw or if they had a way to know when the dots were not available to count.
Variations
Without showing the frame, tell the students how many there are of one of the colors (e.g., “I see 2 blue dots on my frame.”). Ask how many of the other color will be on the card. Follow up by asking how they know. Allow for verification by looking at the card.
When the frames are not visible, some students may need to use their fingers to help with the combinations of 5. Without showing the frame, say, "I see 2 blue dots on my frame." Students can hold up fingers on one hand to show how many [blue] dots are on the card. Ask, “How many dots will be red?” Follow up by asking if their fingers helped them know how many red. If needed, allow students to verify by showing the frame.
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