by Math Coach's Corner
1st - 2nd Grade
⭐ Free Equal Sign Equivalence Mat and Cards for First Grade give students hands-on practice exploring equivalence and balancing equations in fun, interactive math centers. Perfect for partner work and encouraging math talk, these activities help students see that both sides of the equal sign must be the same while building combinations for 5 and 10.
✨ Why it matters
Young learners often think the equal sign means “the answer comes next,” but true understanding comes from seeing both sides of an equation as equal. Building this foundation early helps students reason flexibly about numbers and equations.
✨ How it helps
With this free equivalence mat and cards, students model different combinations for 5 and 10, compare both sides of the equal sign, and explain their thinking to a partner. These simple activities build conceptual understanding while also supporting fact fluency.
✨ Ways to use
- Math centers for small groups or partners to explore equivalence
- Guided small-group instruction for targeted support
- Quick, meaningful practice with combinations for 5 and 10
✨ What’s included
- Equivalence mat for modeling balanced equations
- Cards for combinations that make 5
- Cards for combinations that make 10
- Ten-frames (3 to a page) to support hands-on practice
✨ Looking for more?
This freebie is just a sample of my Meaning of the Equal Sign Centers and Partner Games resource, which includes mats, Capture 4 games, Scoot activities, Squeeze Play partner games, dominoes, and digital versions for hands-on learning. Together, these activities give students a wide variety of engaging ways to explore equivalence and build lasting understanding of the equal sign.
This free equivalence mat is a flexible, low-prep way for students to explore equivalence and balance equations, making it a fun addition to your math block that they’ll love using again and again.
CONNECT WITH MATH COACH'S CORNER
Be sure to follow my TpT store by clicking on ‘Follow Me’ next to my Seller picture to receive notifications of new products and upcoming sales. Visit my blog for K-5 math tips and freebies you can use tomorrow in your classroom. You can also find me on Facebook.
TERMS OF USE
Copyright © Math Coach's Corner.
For personal and single-classroom use only.
To share this resource with friends or colleagues, please purchase additional licenses.
https://thebestofteacherentrepreneursmarketingcooperative.net/the-best-of-teacher-entrepreneurs-marketing-cooperative-one-year-membership/
and get THOUSANDS OF PAGE VIEWS for your TpT products!
Go to http://www.pinterest.com/TheBestofTPT/ for even more free products!
