Addition or Subtraction

Addition or Subrtaction?
Have class sit in a circle on the floor of the classroom.
Give each student an index card with an addition sign on one side and a subtraction sign on the other.
Read several word problems and discuss which operation would be best when solving the problem.
Have the students hold up the correct sign. As a class discuss IN DETAIL the reasons for using that sign.
After the class is comfortable, have them ALL stand up.
In the middle of the class instruct them to stand in the middle of the class in an imaginary line.
Put a BIG addition sign on one side of the room and a BIG subtraction sign on the other side of the room.
Read a word problem to the class and ask them to "think" first about what operation will help them solve the problem. Count to three (slowly) and ask them to move to the sign.
When they have moved ask one child at a time why she/he chose that side and discuss answers as a class.

Have the class move together to the center and ask again.
Give each child a puzzle with addition or subtraction problems and have them put it together independently to reveal a message on the back.
Call the class to together to the floor and have them tell a friend what they learned today.