Showing 3 Fingers – Elementary Math

Purpose

To find combinations of 3, 4, and 5.

Overview

Hold up one hand and display three fingers. Ask children to hold up one of their hands and show the same number of fingers, but in a different way. For each different way that you see, call a child up to the front to share that way with the class. Arrange the children in a line so each one demonstrates a different way to show three fingers.

hands with fingers

Challenge the class to find a new way that has not already been shown and add this new way to your “collection.” There are 10 different ways possible, but don’t expect that all will be found.

About the sequence

Part 1 has children show a number using fingers on one hand, following the teacher modeling a number with one hand. Part 2 and the extension move to the teacher modeling a number using one hand and having children showing a number using fingers on two hands.

Part 1

How many ways can we show three fingers using one hand?

Display three fingers using one hand.

Part 2

How many ways can we show four fingers using two hands?

Display four fingers using one hand.

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

Extension

How many ways can we show five fingers using two hands?

Display five fingers using one hand.