Are you wondering how to teach composing and decomposing numbers for kindergarten? Before I tell you about some awesome games to use, let’s look at some definitions!
Composing and decomposing numbers for Kindergarten is a basic building block for understanding basic numbers and operations. The definition of decomposition of numbers is to break down numbers into parts. These parts together are the same as the original. Decomposing is used in place value and basic numbers and operations to make problem-solving easier.
To compose in math is when you take parts and put them together to make a whole; an example of this would be basic addition.
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Teaching composing and decomposing numbers for Kindergarten is fun and easy to do with hands-on, engaging activities. I love to teach math through games to my students! They enjoy the challenge of game-based learning and I love to see and hear their authentic learning. I find that this is one of the best ways to have my students practice their math skills as well as their social skills. I start by teaching the whole group the basic math concept and the rules of the math game. First, I model the game with one child in front of the class. Next, we discuss what it looked like and sounded like when we were modeling the game. Then, we talk about the rules of the game. We discuss and model how to sit during the game, where the game is to be played, and how the game is to be put away. Finally, I have the students pair up and play the game. I circulate to listen, correct any misconceptions, and observe the learning in action. We continue to revisit this format and then I move the game into my math center portion of my guided math time.
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Here are five fun and engaging ways to introduce composing and decomposing numbers in Kindergarten.
- Shake and Spill math game:
Shake and spill math game helps the students see how to break down numbers. I give the students ten two-sided colored counters, a cup, and a ten frame. The children take turns putting the ten counters in the cup, shaking and spilling out the counters. They count how many red and how many yellow they have then write the addition sentence. The goal is to take turns and see how many ways you can make ten.
Here is a Thanksgiving shake and spill mat you can grab it here
- Ways to make 5 Kindergarten
Another way to teach composing and decomposing numbers for Kindergarten is by giving your kids connecting blocks in two different colors and a recording sheet. Show them a number between 1 and 5. The children use the blocks to show various ways of composing the number and color it on the recording sheet. For example four red blocks and one yellow block. Line all combinations up and discuss the combinations. Challenge them to only use each color combo once and then write the number sentence.
- Composing Teens on a Ten Frame
We love to play this game with spinners and two ten frames! If you are asking” what is a ten frame?” A ten frame is ten boxes with five at the top and five at the bottom. This helps the kids to visualize groups of ten. To play this game, one child spins and has to create the teen number on the ten frame. If it is right they move their bear one space on the game board. Next, the second child spins and creates their teen number and moves their bear. The kids continue to play until one bear reaches the end.
Google slides for a whole group introduction is a fantastic, engaging way to introduce the concept of composing teen numbers and writing the number sentence. This can be a difficult concept for young learners to visualize. They must have hands-on experience with composing teens on ten frames before writing out the number of sentences.
- Number Bracelets
Creating number bracelets is a fun and easy way to introduce the concept of composing and decomposing numbers to your youngest learners!
Simply, take a pipe cleaner and place a specific number of beads on it. Connect the pipe cleaner in a circle and twist. Place a piece of masking tape on the twisted part and write the number of total beads on the tape. Have the child move the beads to show two parts.
- Number Bonds Kindergarten
Once the kids learn how to play with number bonds they LOVE them! A number bond is a visual representation of part to whole. The whole number is in the center circle and one of the parts is filled in. the children use physical or digital manipulatives to find the missing part.
I use digital versions to introduce the concept to the whole group. These have a ten frame provided so the children can color in the part that is missing and really visualize the concept. Then they count and write the numbers into the circles to represent the two parts. I love that I can assign the digital version to their google classroom for further practice as homework, math centers, or morning work. We also use manipulatives and a printable part part whole mat so they have a concrete understanding of the concept as well. You can find the Mitten Version of this slide here.
Decomposing teen numbers
To decompose or break down teen numbers means to break apart into tens and ones. This is the foundation for the decompose ones to add strategy used in later grades.
We use a variety of materials to practice and break down numbers. We use various manipulatives, ten frames, ten sticks, and printable part part whole mats.
I feel my students can see this concept the best by doing number bonds and number sentences with teen numbers. I use google slides and hard copy worksheets for them to practice.
I hope that your children have as much fun as mine do when using these games. They are perfect for the Math center or to use during guided math for composing and decomposing numbers for kindergarten.
