Print out a map of a farm that includes different types of animals, like horses, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Tell the students how many of each animal is on the farm. Let the students draw and color in the animals. Then, ask the students to add how many animals are on the farm. Continue by asking them to add two different animal groups together, such as pigs and chickens, to find out how many are in the two groups combined. This reinforces adding. Ask them to figure out how many more animals are there in one group than in another. This will help the students practice subtracting.
To reinforce the concepts of counting, adding and subtracting, start each day by giving each student a handful of buttons. Make sure the buttons are big enough for the students to handle. Each day, assign the students a different number of buttons they need to group. Together with your students, count out the number of buttons until you reach the assigned number. You can continue by assigning a smaller number and have the students count down until they reach it. Explain to them how they are adding and subtracting by counting.
Counting students is an interactive counting project that will engage students. This project requires an empty room where students can stand and spread out. Put every two students together. Then call out a number that is a multiple of two. The students must add themselves to a group together to make that number. Be sure to fully explain the activity beforehand so the students will not be confused.
Adding and subtracting the same objects relies more on counting. However, adding and subtracting different objects will help the students focus more on adding and subtracting and less on counting. On the board, draw different numbers of apples and oranges in two columns. Call students individually to the board to complete addition problems. Have them circle the amount of oranges and apples (for example 2+3 is 2 apples and 3 oranges). Then have them add the apples and oranges together and write the answer on the board.