Texture and counting meet creativity and expression as children model numbers and explore arithmetic.

• 1.

  Choose a favorite one-digit number.

• 2.

  Knead Crayola® Model Magic, and roll it into a 3/4-inch (2 cm) coil. Shape the coil into the desired numeral.

• 3.

  Create the same number of dents, holes, ridges, or impressions as the numeral represents. These are some possible methods for making them deep or high enough to feel: Carve or press with plastic knives, wooden spoons, and other found objects. To make contrasting inlays, poke a hole with a pencil eraser, then drop a small Model Magic ball into the hole and press firmly. Make narrow, crosswise dents by pressing the blunt side of a plastic knife into the coil. Add contrasting strips of color by laying small coils of another color into the dents. Press firmly. Pinch Model Magic up to make ridges and bumps. Fill with small coils of another color, and pinch to hold in place.

Standards

• LA: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade level topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
• LA: Participate in shared research and writing projects.
• MATH: Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
• MATH: Understand that the two digits of a two-digit number represent amounts of tens and ones.
• VA: Use different media, techniques, and processes to communicate ideas, experiences, and stories.
• VA: Use visual structures of art to communicate ideas.

Adaptations

• Encourage students to create a set of digits from zero through nine. Read word problems to students that involve addition and subtraction. Students select the digits from their set that form the solution to the problem.
• Working in small groups, with the assistance of an adult, students compose original word problems involving addition and subtraction. Student groups read their problems to the class. Classmates select digits from their set that form the solution to the problems.