Composing Numbers

Composer to 7

Knows number combinations to totals of 7. Quickly names parts of any whole, or the whole given parts. Doubles to 10.

Note: The goal for this level goes beyond simply memorizing math facts. The goal is knowing the “breakaparts,” which means the paired values that compose a target number. For example, the breakaparts for the target 4 are: 0 and 4, 1 and 3, 2 and 2. Knowing breakaparts means knowing the component parts in any order. In other words, knowing that 4 and 3 or 3 and 4 are breakaparts for the target 7. Often children’s earliest learned fluent breakapart combinations involve 1. For example, 5 and 1 for the target 6; 6 and 1 for the target 7, and so on. Also earlier are doubles, such as 3 and 3 for the target 6. Later, children become fluent in combinations in which 1, 2, or 3 is the first addend, such as 2 and 4 for the target 6, and later 3 and 4 for the target 7.

Activities

You may see this:

Other Examples:

Shown six, then four are secretly hidden, and shown the two remaining, quickly says "four" are hidden.

Help your student become a(n) Composer to 7

Activities promote meaningful knowledge of all combinations up to totals of 7. Like most composing number levels, they use visual models (conceptual subitizing) and thinking strategies. For example, children understand the ideas of "add (or subtract) zero" (same number) and "add (or subtract) 1" (next or previous number). They also use commutativity (if I know 5 + 2, I know 2 + 5). Activities do not use timed tests and drill without understanding.