Touch Math Adventures

Overview

Grade: 1st
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 7 students
Unit: Touch Math Adventures (Lesson 4 of 4)
Topic: Solving Word Problems with Addition Using Touch Math
Teaching Environment: Behavior K-2 classroom using hands-on centers with scaffolding

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Common Core Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1
Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions.

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6
Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• I can read and understand simple addition word problems.
• I can use Touch Math touch points to count and add numbers up to 20.
• I can work with a partner to solve addition word problems.
• I can show my answer using Touch Math strategies and explain my thinking.

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Success Criteria

• Students read word problems aloud with support or independently (dyslexia-friendly options provided).
• Students identify the numbers to add and point to Touch Math dots to count.
• Students correctly solve addition problems within 20 using touch points.
• Students collaborate appropriately by taking turns and discussing strategies.
• Students share their answers clearly with the teacher or peers.

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Materials Needed

• Touch Math cards showing numbers 1-20 with tactile dots
• Simple addition word problem cards (with pictures and large print fonts suitable for dyslexia)
• Whiteboards and markers for students to write answers
• Counters or beads (optional for kinesthetic support)
• Visual instruction posters with step-by-step Touch Math strategies
• Partner name tags for pairing

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Lesson Procedures

1. Warm-Up & Review (5 minutes)

• Greet students and review Touch Math touch points quickly with a hands-on demonstration (e.g., teacher holds up a card, counts touch points out loud with class).
• I can recall how to count dots on numbers to add.
• Use a quick call-and-response: Teacher shows “3,” class counts “1-2-3” using dots.

2. Introduction to Word Problems (5 minutes)

• Explain the goal: “Today we will use Touch Math to solve addition word problems!”
• Model reading one simple word problem aloud:
  Example: “Anna has 4 apples. She gets 3 more apples. How many apples does Anna have now?”
• Show how to find the numbers (4 and 3), touch count their dots, and add out loud.
• Use dyslexia-friendly reading options: large font, simple language, paired text with pictures.

3. Partner Activity: Solving Word Problems (15 minutes)

• Pair students (consider behavior needs for compatibility).
• Give each pair 3-4 word problem cards and Touch Math cards.
• Instructions:
  • Read the word problem aloud together (teacher provides support if needed).
  • Identify the two numbers to add.
  • Use Touch Math cards to count and add by touching dots.
  • Use whiteboards to write the answer.
  • Discuss and explain their thinking to each other.
• Teacher circulates, observes, and provides scaffolding or prompts as needed (e.g., “How many dots does the number 5 have?”).

4. Group Sharing & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Regroup as a class. Ask selected pairs to share one word problem and explain how they solved it using Touch Math.
• Celebrate all efforts with affirmations (e.g., “Great job counting the dots!”).
• I can explain my thinking to others using Touch Math.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For students with attention or behavior challenges: Use seating near teacher, clear task instructions, and positive reinforcement. Use short, high-interest word problems.
• For students struggling with reading: Provide paired reading support, picture clues, and dyslexia-friendly printed word problems with multi-sensory reading (touch + visuals).
• For English Language Learners (ELL): Use visuals/pictures, gestures, and simplified vocabulary. Pair them with supportive peers.
• For students needing more help with addition: Use counters or manipulative beads in addition to Touch Math cards for concrete counting.
• For advanced learners: Provide word problems with sums up to 20 and challenge them to create their own word problems to share with the class.

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Extension Activity (for advanced learners)

• Students create their own addition word problems using Touch Math cards and pictures, then swap with partners to solve.
• Encourage using addition facts beyond 10 to build fluency.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during partner work (accuracy, use of Touch Math touch points, collaboration).
• Check whiteboard answers for correctness.
• Oral questioning during group share to assess understanding and communication of strategies.

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Reflection & Next Steps

• Note student engagement and success in reading and solving word problems.
• Plan to revisit any students who struggled with concepts in future small groups or interventions.
• Consider integrating subtraction word problems next to deepen understanding.

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This lesson combines tactile counting, word problem comprehension, and peer interaction to engage young learners in a multimodal way, perfectly aligned with Common Core and tailored for a behavior-focused, hands-on classroom environment.