Written and Illustrated by Emily Brown

PA Standard CC.2.2.2.A.2 - Use mental strategies to add and subtract within 20

It was the day before Christmas break started in Pinewood Forest. Polly the Porcupine rolled over in bed as her mom came to the door. “Good morning, sweetie,” she whispered, “Today is your last day before break! Hop out of bed so you won’t be late.” Polly jumped out of bed. She was excited to go to school today. Her class was going to have a Christmas party.

In the kitchen, Polly's mom told her to pick which cereal she wanted. “Mom, did you make my cupcakes for the party today?” “Yes, I did! They are right here ready to go,” her mom exclaimed. Polly looked at the eight cupcakes and squealed. “Mom they are so pretty! I can’t wait to show them to everyone.” How many kinds of cereal does Polly have to pick from? Count them by groups of 2.

2 groups of 2 or 4 kinds of cereal

Polly grabbed her backpack and the tray of eight cupcakes. “Have a great day at school! Be careful carrying the cupcakes,” her mom warned. “I will, mom. It will be a piece of cake...or cupcake. I love you!” Polly giggled as she quickly kissed her mom goodbye.

At the door, Polly saw her dad. “Polly! What do you have there?” her dad asked. “These are my eight cupcakes for my Christmas party at school,” Polly exclaimed. Her dad’s eyes sparkled. “Do you think I could have one?” Polly smiled, “Sure, dad!” Polly handed her dad one cupcake. “Thanks, sweetheart. It will be our little secret,” her dad said with a wink taking a huge bite. She kissed her dad on the cheek and headed out the door. How many cupcakes does Polly have left on the tray?

7 cupcakes

As Polly was walking to the bus stop, she saw her neighbor, Miss Suzy the Squirrel. “Good morning, Polly,” said Miss Suzy, “What do you have there?” “These are my cupcakes for a Christmas party,” Polly said as she kept walking, “whoop!” Polly had walked onto a patch of ice. She slipped and slid. The tray wobbled, and one of the cupcakes came crashing to the ground. “Oh no!” cried Polly, “I dropped one of my cupcakes!” How many cupcakes are left on Polly’s tray? Count them in groups of 3.

Polly got to the bus stop without dropping any more of the cupcakes. Walking up the steps to the bus, Polly smiled at her bus driver, Mr. Bob the Beaver. “Good morning, Polly,” Mr. Bob said with a smile on his face. “Good morning, Mr. Bob! Merry Christmas! Would you like a cupcake?” Polly asked. “Why, Polly, I would love a cupcake. Thank you very much!” Mr. Bob exclaimed. If Polly left the house with eight cupcakes and three are gone, how many cupcakes does she have left?

2 groups of 3 or 6 cupcakes

On the school bus, Polly sat next to her friend, Casey the Chipmunk. “Polly, what treat did you bring for our Christmas party?” Casey asked. “I brought cupcakes,” Polly said, “What did you bring?” “I brought gingerbread cookies! Let’s trade our treats and try them,” Casey suggested. “Okay,” Polly said. She was in the mood for a sugar cookie. How many groups of two cupcakes are left on Polly’s tray? How many cupcakes are there total?

5 cupcakes

The school bus pulled up at the school. Polly hopped out of her seat excited to start her day. As she was stepping off the school bus, she tripped over the last step. Two of her cupcakes wobbled and tipped off the tray. “Oh no!” cried Polly, “Now I only have two cupcakes left. What should I do Casey?” 

2 groups of 2 or 4 cupcakes