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Toss and Add Ball Champions ✨ cross-curricular

Teacher: TeacherAI | Grade: 1 | Subject: Math, Physical Education | Duration: 45 minutes

📝 Description: Students practice underhand tossing skills while adding three single-digit numbers from their ball-catching totals together.

Standards

  • 1.OA.1 (Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing)
  • 1.OA.2 (Solve word problems that call for addition of three whole numbers whose sum is less than or equal to 20)
  • PE.1.1.4 (Throws underhand with opposite foot forward)
  • PE.1.1.5 (Catches a large ball before it bounces)

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Perform underhand tosses with proper form (opposite foot forward) to a partner
  • Count consecutive catches accurately up to 10
  • Add three single-digit numbers with sums up to 20
  • Write addition sentences using three addends from their catching data

Supplies Needed

  • Whiteboard and dry-erase markers
  • Chart paper
  • Pencils
  • Paper (white)
  • Soft balls (foam or tennis balls - 1 per pair of students)

Lesson Structure

Opening (5 minutes)

Gather students in a circle. Demonstrate underhand toss form: "Watch my feet - opposite foot forward, underhand scoop motion." Have students practice the motion without balls. Introduce the challenge: "Today we'll toss, catch, count, and add like math athletes!"

Main Activity (35 minutes)

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Form Partnerships (3 minutes): Divide class into pairs. Give each pair one ball and position them 4 feet apart around the room or outside area.
  2. Practice Tossing Technique (5 minutes): Partners practice underhand tosses focusing on form. Circulate and coach: "Step with opposite foot, gentle underhand scoop." No counting yet - just technique.
  3. First Counting Round (7 minutes): Pairs count consecutive catches before ball touches ground. When ball drops, they stop and record their number. Repeat 2-3 times, taking their best score.
  4. Switch and Count Again (7 minutes): Partners switch who starts tossing first. Count consecutive catches again, record best score. Now each student has one number.
  5. Find Third Partner (3 minutes): Each pair finds another pair to work with, creating groups of 4 students (2 partnerships). Each group now has three scores to work with.
  6. Addition Challenge (7 minutes): Groups write their three catching numbers on paper. Model on whiteboard: "If Team 1 got 4 catches, Team 2 got 6 catches, and Team 3 got 5 catches, what's our addition sentence?" Write: 4 + 6 + 5 = 15. Groups create their addition sentences.
  7. Share and Compare (3 minutes): Groups post their addition sentences on chart paper. Identify highest team total and celebrate everyone's improvement.

Closing (5 minutes)

Gather in circle with addition sentences. Read several aloud as a class. Ask: "What made catching easier?" and "How did we know our addition was correct?"

Quick Check: Hold up fingers to show: "If three teams got 3, 4, and 2 catches, what would the sum be?" Students show answer on fingers. "What's the addition sentence?" Have 2-3 students share aloud.

Formative Assessment

During the lesson, look for:

  • Students using proper underhand form with opposite foot forward during tosses
  • Accurate counting of consecutive catches without skipping numbers or double-counting
  • Correct addition sentences written with three addends and proper sum (verify by checking their mental math)

Differentiation Strategies

Support for Struggling Students:

  • Start with shorter tossing distance (2-3 feet) and use larger, softer balls
  • Provide counters to physically represent each number before adding
  • Allow use of number line on paper for addition support

Challenge for Advanced Learners:

  • Increase tossing distance to 6-8 feet for more challenging catches
  • Have them find multiple groups and compare sums: "Which team combination gives the highest total?"
  • Ask them to predict what three numbers would give a sum of exactly 15 or 20

ELL/ELD Support:

  • Pre-teach vocabulary: "underhand," "consecutive," "catches," "addition sentence" with visual demonstrations
  • Pair with strong English speakers for peer support during counting and writing
  • Use number cards to support number recognition and sequencing during addition

Printable Materials

Toss and Add Recording Sheet

Names: _________________________ and _________________________


Our Catching Scores:

Partner 1 Best Score: _______

Partner 2 Best Score: _______

Partner 3 Best Score: _______


Our Addition Sentence:

_______ + _______ + _______ = _______


Our Team Total: _______ catches

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