A standard template for the addition lesson plans gives structure to your lessons to ensure you introduce the topic well. Start each addition lesson with a review of basic counting and combining two groups of numbers. Use a large group instruction time to introduce and reinforce the addition concepts. The students should then have time to work in small groups or independently on related addition activities. A wrap-up in the lesson plan allows you to bring the entire class together for a final review for the day. Adjust the lesson plan layout as needed to match your teaching goals and style.
The lesson plans for first grade should include the introductory skills needed for addition. By first grade, students should have strong number recognition. They should also have the ability to count objects with one-to-one correspondence. Use those skills to introduce the concept of addition. For example, create two groups of counting blocks. The kids count the objects in each group. They then combine the blocks and count them again to determine the sum or total number of blocks.
When the students get the basics of the addition concept, you are able to expand more with group and individual activities. In addition to paper and pencil practice, plan hands-on activities and games that focus on addition. An example is to write single numbers on several different cups. Write addition problems on craft sticks. The kids place the craft sticks inside the cups that have the correct sum written on them. For example, a stick with 3 plus 4 would go into the cup with 7 written on it.
Since children learn at different rates, some modifications may be necessary to match the abilities of your students. Monitor the students regularly as you introduce addition. Sit down with individual students to do sample hands-on addition problems to assess their understanding of the concept. If you find students are struggling with the concept, go back and try a different approach to teaching basic addition. If the lesson plans seem too easy, move forward with more complex addition problems or activities to challenge the kids.