Math in Action

Overview

This lesson is in alignment with 1st Grade Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.C.5: Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2).
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.C.6: Add and subtract within 20.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.MD.A.1: Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.G.A.2: Compose two-dimensional shapes (rectangles, squares, and circles) to create a picture or design.

This 8-minute lesson will integrate addition, subtraction, measurement, and shapes into one dynamic and hands-on activity.

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Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Solve basic addition and subtraction problems within 20 using manipulatives.
2. Use nonstandard units of measurement to compare the length of objects.
3. Identify and use shapes to create a simple picture, developing spatial awareness.

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Materials

• A small basket or container with wooden/plastic blocks (different colors/shapes).
• A measuring tool (e.g., paperclip chain or a small ruler for non-standard units).
• Pre-drawn shapes (circles, squares, triangles, rectangles) on colored paper, cut out beforehand.
• Whiteboard and markers.

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Procedure

1. Warm-Up Activity (2 minutes): Count and Jump

• Begin by standing in a circle around the teacher.
• Say: "Let's warm up our Math brains with counting!"
  • Call out numbers (e.g., 5), and have students softly clap as they count forward or backward in unison to that number.
  • Example: Start at 5, count forward to 8, or backward to 2.
• Once warmed up, introduce the day's topic: "Addition and Subtraction, Comparing Length, and Creating with Shapes!"

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2. Activity 1: Block Math (3 minutes)

Addition and Subtraction with Blocks

• Set Up: Hand out 5–10 blocks to each student.
• Instruction:
  • Say: "Let’s see how many blocks you have! Count your blocks out loud."
  • Then, provide simple problems:
    • Addition: “Take 2 more blocks and count your total!”
    • Subtraction: “Give back 3 blocks. How many do you have left now?”
  • Observe and guide where necessary, emphasizing how the numbers grow (add) or shrink (subtract).

Key Question: “When you add, does the number go up or down? What happens when you subtract?”

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3. Activity 2: Length Detective (2 minutes)

Measuring Objects with Nonstandard Units

• Set Up: Show a long block, a pencil, and a small eraser.
• Instruction:
  • Say: “Let’s measure how long these are! We’ll use our paperclip chain.”
  • Guide students to line up paperclips along the pencil length and count how many it takes.
  • Compare: “Is the pencil longer or shorter than the eraser? How do you know?”
  • Encourage hands-on measurement with nearby materials like their blocks, pencils, or a notebook.

Key Question: “What did you learn by measuring? Can we use shapes or sizes to help us compare next time?”

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4. Activity 3: Shape Creation (1 minute)

Designing with Shapes

• Set Up: Place pre-cut paper shapes (e.g., circles, rectangles, triangles) in a pile.
• Instruction:
  • Say: “Shapes can make pictures! Let’s see what you can create!”
  • Allow time (30 seconds) for students to arrange shapes into a design—like a house, a tree, or a face—on their desks.
  • Briefly discuss what each student made and review the names of the shapes they used.

Key Question: “What shapes did you use in your picture?”

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Wrap-Up and Reflection (1 minute)

• Gather the students again.
• Ask:
  • “What did we do that made numbers get bigger?” (Addition)
  • “What tool helped us measure things?” (Paperclips or rulers)
  • “What shapes did you see or create?”
• End with enthusiasm: “You’re awesome mathematicians! Tomorrow, let’s use these skills again!”

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Differentiation

• Advanced Learners: Give more complex addition/subtraction tasks (e.g., adding 3 numbers together) or ask them to measure larger items.
• Struggling Learners: Offer fewer blocks or simplify addition/subtraction tasks (e.g., focus on adding/subtracting 1 or 2).

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Assessment

• Observe and take notes on student participation and responses during activities.
• Use guiding questions to check comprehension.
• For informal assessment, display two shapes or measurements and ask students quick comparison questions.

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Teacher Notes

• This fast-paced, interactive lesson combines multiple standards to offer a robust experience.
• Tailor pacing as needed, but keep transitions smooth to maintain momentum.
• Prioritize fun and engagement—students learn best through active participation!