Spin Your Number Wheels!
Spin, spin, spin the numbers on these wheels! They add lots of appeal to math success and build young mathletes’ self-confidence.
1. How exciting to learn how to add and subtract! These wheels can help you jump around between addition and subtraction. You’ll want to make several sets to make sure you know all of your number bonds (they’re also called equations)!
2. Make three wheels. Divide the back of a large paper plate into several pie sections using Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils and a straight edge. Label sections with numbers around the outside edge using Crayola Fine Line Markers.
3. With Crayola Scissors, cut out a circle from another plate (see the picture). Make it smaller than your numbered circle. Divide it into sections that match the first plate. Write numbers on each section so all the numbers line up.
4. On a third paper plate, draw a small center circle and add a tab. This tab needs to be large enough to cover numbers on the second circle. Cut out. On the tab, outline a large plus sign (or a minus sign to practice subtraction) and cut it out to make a hole in that shape. Write a number in the middle.
5. Assemble your number wheel. Place the plates on top of each other in the order that you made them. Ask an adult to poke a hole in the center of all three layers. Secure with a brass paper fastener.
6. Start spinning! Pick a number, for example 10. What two numbers combine to equal 10? Pick a number along the edge, like 9, set the plus tab at this number. What number do you need to add to 9 to equal 10? Move the inner numbered circle around so that the number 1 fits inside the plus sign. You’re found the number bond (equation). Can you figure out how to subtract by spinning your minus-sign wheels?
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
- Substitute craft materials according to availability in your area. Instead of paper plates, recycled file folders or cardboard could be used.
- Mathletes hold a numbers Wheelie where student teams solve equations on their number wheels.
- Assessment: Students write each equation they solve. Use calculators or ask classmates to check work.
- Make similar wheels for grammar, such as Whirling Word Blends, which is another Lesson Plan on Crayola.com.
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