5 Fingers – Elementary Math

Purpose

To show combinations of 5.

Overview

Using one hand, display five fingers. Have children match your demonstration. Then ask children to show five fingers in as many ways as they can, using two hands. Review numbers 1 to 5, first by using fingers on one hand, and then by using fingers on two hands.

About the sequence

Part 1 has children show combinations of 5 using two hands. Part 2 moves to showing 5 in a different way using two hands. The extension repeats Parts 1 and 2 with the number 6.

Part 1

I’ll show you a number and you match it with your fingers. What number do you see? (5). How can you make five using two hands?

Using one hand, display five fingers.

While children are enjoying their building of mastery, feel free to repeat. When children are eager for more, try Part 2.

Part 2

How can you make five using two hands in a different way?

As always, when children seem excited for a new challenge, move on.

Extension

I’ll show you a number and you match it with your fingers. (Using two hands, display six fingers). What number do you see? (6). Can you make six using two hands? Can you make six using two hands in a different way?

Using two hands, display six fingers.