re:"Help! They can't add/subtract!"

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re:"Help! They can't add/subtract!"
By Bev Blacher

OK. I am new here and haven't as yet started working in Florida (I am from Britain).
I used to use 'show me' cards. I am sure you have used these. I have spent my spare time while I wait for my credentials to be sorted
out by the powers that be making cards for just this thing.
You need:
1. A pack of cards for each child of single numbers zero to 9. ( The more each child has the easier it will be to do double digit numberse.g. 22...but to start with 0-9 for each child or even pair of children works).
2. Stand out the front and either say aloud or write one sum at the time on the board.
Look

at the children and ask them to 'show me!' and get them to hold the numbers up so that you can see their answers. It soon becomes obvious where the problems are and it doesnt hurt when some of the children realise they are wrong and copy friends (as long as its not too often). I sometimes differentiate my questioning and do this in a team quiz.
5 to 10 mins of this each day or as a fill in between lessons and they love it ...I also made clocks and did a show me game with these too you soon see who is still having problems with early concepts too.
I am looking forward to seeing other suggestions to make notes here too.