Properties of Addition

This past week, we learned about the different properties of addition. You might think this would be boring. You are wrong! Mrs. Johnson's class can make anything fun! There are three properties, or rules, of addition we learned: Commutative Property of Addition, Identity (Zero) Property of Addition, and Associative Property of Addition.

We began our study of properties with the Commutative Property. Mrs. Johnson had a great activity planned for us! The Commutative Property of Addition says you can add two or more addends in any order, and the sum will be the same - as long as the numbers are the same. For example, 3+8=8+3 So, Mrs. Johnson gave us colored linking cubes. We modeled the commutative property using these linking cubes. Then, we wrote the number sentences that corresponded to our models. Take a look!

Sherrina and Dwinesha working hard

Tyrell is always so neat and careful with his work!

Good job, Arrion!

We continued our study with fun activities for each property.

The Identity Property of Addition says that if you add zero to any number, the sum will be the same number. For example, 2+0=2. This was the easiest one! Mrs. Johnson told us to think about our "identity." When you look in the mirror, you are looking at your identity - the same person!

The Associative Property of Addition says that you can group addends any way you like, and the sum will be the same. For example, (2+4)+6=2+(4+6). Mrs. Johnson told us to think about who we "associate" with - friends. It doesn't matter who we have our arms around ( ). They are still our friends.