Math Activity: Reach the Target

Game:  Reach the Target

Math Strategy: Various Addition and Subtraction Strategies
Math Strand:  Number Sense and Numeration

Overview:
This game, located in the Guide to Effective Instruction (K-6, V.5, pg. 48), is used to support students development of multi-digit computations.  As seen in the video, students need to determine how much is required to meet the target number.  The game should be played whole class for a few rounds before students move to playing it independently.  When learning the game, students should begin by playing with decade numbers.  Once they are ready, move towards more challenging numbers. 

How this activity supports student learning:
This activity would qualify as a "Where to Next" activity.  If your students are developing an understanding of a subtraction or addition strategy they can use this game to practice.  Most students require 3 to 5 interactions, with feedback, on a new skill/concept to develop an acceptable understanding.  This game allows for students to practice a strategy while also receiving feedback from their peers.  When it comes to a game, peers will be sure the feedback is given as it puts them in a better position to win!

Depending on the playing card numbers and the target number, this game could support the development of many addition and subtraction strategies seen on Lawson's Addition and Subtraction Continuum.  It would work great with strategies like counting on/back, jumps forward or backward of 10/100, overshoot and return, constant difference, and getting to a decade number and taking jumps forward or backward.  For subtraction situations, it would work well with splitting the subtrahend (2nd number in a subtraction sentence). 

Students can use hundred charts, base ten blocks, and number lines to support their calculations.  Remember, as students understand a strategy well they may begin to move away from concrete representations and move towards visual and numeric representations only.  A calculator could be used to verify answers but not to find them. 

Where to Next:
While students are playing the game observe the strategy they are using.  If they are understanding the demonstrated strategy well then modify the game by giving them more challenging numbers.  If appropriate, a student could be prompted to try the strategy without the assistance of concrete materials.  Once students are using the strategy with grade appropriate numbers encourage them to learn a new strategy or combine it with a different known strategy for more efficient computations.