Math Activity to Teach Counting On: Piggy Bank Wars

Math Game: Piggy Bank Wars

Strand: Number Sense and Numeration, Addition
Math Strategy: Counting On

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Materials: 
• 1 deck of cards with 10, J, Q and K removed
• counters
• 2 cups
• 2 players

Overview: 
In this twist on the classic War game, students work to find the difference in value between the two cards that are drawn. They are deepening their understanding of the part whole relationship and developing the counting on strategy, as they count on of from the lower card until they reach the value of the higher card. Students use counters to represent the difference.
How this Supports Student Learning: 
Students are able to practice the counting on strategy in this game. Through this activity they construct their understanding of part whole relationships as they recognize the higher value card being the “whole”, the lower card being one “part” and the difference being another “part”. This game supports students in moving from counting all, or counting backwards into counting on.

Reflection & Consolidation
Which questions might you ask students to help connect their learning and consolidate their understanding?

Where to next?
For students that require more practice to master the counting on strategy activities like Salute, Riddles with Tiles and Dots and Number Dice provide excellent opportunities to strengthen this strategy. Once the student has mastered this strategy they are ready to begin playing games that promote the use of the 5 and 10 anchor, like Go Fish to Ten, Steal the Bundle and Make 10 Concentration.