Lesson #5: Dots Everywhere
Essential Question: How can we use different combinations of numbers and operations to
represent the same quantity?
Purpose: The purpose of this lesson is to explore finding sums of numbers. The children
will form equations, and write the equations, while also using the commutative property
of addition.
Learning Objectives:
Students will:
 Create addition equations for numbers 0-9 using two and/or three addends
 Write addition equations for numbers 0-9 using two and/or three addends
NYS Core Curriculum Standards:
 1.OA.1: Use addition and subtraction within 20 solve word problems involving
situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing,
with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations
with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

1.OA.3: Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract.
Examples: If 8+3=11 is known, then 3+8=11 is also known. (Commutative
property of addition.) To add 2+6+4, the second two numbers can be added to
make a ten, so 2+6+4= 2+10=12. (Associative property of addition.)
NCTM Standards:
 Algebra Standard 1: Use mathematical models to represent and understand
quantitative relationships.
 Algebra Standard 2: Represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures
using algebraic symbols
Materials:
 Lady Bug Backline Master
 Math Journals
 Activity Worksheet
 Pencil
 Manipulatives for counting (connecting cubes, counters, etc.)
Lesson Procedure:
1. Tell children that today they will be working with ladybugs. Ask:
 Has anyone ever seen a ladybug?
 What is a ladybug?
 What does a ladybug look like?
2. Explain to the children that today we will be using the dots on ladybugs to help us
count. Show the children the cut-outs of the ladybugs and also model a sample
problem.
3. Once the directions have been completed, pass out one set of the 6 ladybugs for
each student and the activity worksheet.
4. Ask the students:
 How many ways can you put the ladybugs together to make three dots
total?
Be sure that each child understands that the dots of one ladybug, or two ladybugs
are being counted together using addition. Observe the children as they sort their
ladybugs to answer the question. The children will see that they can create three
total dots by adding: 0+3=3, 3+0=3, 2+1=3, and 1+2=3. The four addition
equations should then be identified, reviewed, and placed in the sum of three
column of the worksheet.
5. Continue to work with the children solving for four and five dots using the same
procedure in the previous step. Make sure each child is following along and
writing down the different sums on the corresponding activity worksheet.
6. Once the sums for three, four, and five have been identified, the children may
individually find the sums for six, seven and eight. Circulate the room and
observe each child’s progress.
7. At the end of the lesson, review the different number combinations for a sum of
six, seven and eight. Remind the children that for a sum of six you may use three
ladybugs: 3+2+1=6.
8. After the children have completed the activity worksheet, have the children take
out their math journals. In their math journals the children should answer:
 How many ways can you write the sum of 9?
Assessment: The activity worksheet and the math journal entry will be used to assess how
well each child has followed this lesson. The teacher must look to see if each child is
using and applying the commutative property of addition when finding sums. Also,
observation of the child’s engagement of the lesson will be used as an assessment.
Adapted from: Barge, J.D. (2012). Lots of dots. In CCGPS Framework Student Edition. Retrieved from
https://www.georgiastandards.org/CommonCore/Common%20Core%20Frameworks/CCGPS_Math_1_Unit5FrameworkSE.pdf
Adapted from: Barge, J.D. (2012). Lots of dots. In CCGPS Framework Student Edition. Retrieved from
https://www.georgiastandards.org/CommonCore/Common%20Core%20Frameworks/CCGPS_Math_1_Unit5FrameworkSE.pdf
Name: ___________________________________
Lots of Dots
Sums of 0
Sums of 1
Sums of 2
Sums of 3
Sums of 4
Sums of 5
Sums of 6
Sums of 7
Sums of 8