Supplies:
Pencil, Scissors, Glue sticks, Journal
Bingo Daubers/ Colored Pencils
Copies:
2up to save paper
Grade Levels K, 1st
This lesson is designed to develop the strategy of counting on. Start with the Pete the Cat story about Pete's groovy Buttons to get students excited about Pete! Then, use this activity in your early-year centers, to review math skills and support student partner learning and collaboration in centers. Practice using it in student journals and then transition to a center game.
At the end of the activity, each student will have demonstrated their counting skills. Collect the graphic organizer for a formative assessment or have students glue them into their journals during rotation.
Suggested Companions
Story Time
Brain Break
Pair it with "I'm a Math Whiz" by Danny Go! to celebrate a successful activity with a brain break!
Discussion Anchor(s)
Discussion: Begin with Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons as a pre-primer to the mini-lesson during Math time. This frontloads counting before beginning the lesson. The following mini-lesson is designed with an engaging lure of playing a game, but "I'm a Math Whiz" is not advised before the lesson so as not to get kids too jazzed. Students will need a copy of the graphic organizer and some number pieces (I start with one through 5).
Before transitioning:
Use a Math journal, to teach students the order in which to fill in the organizer
(see game instructions) during whole-group at their seats. When ready, students practice pair-share and solve equations together.
Transitioning to centers:
Transitioning to center rotations students will be ready to play the game with a quick explanation using the anchor charts included. The objective is to practice "counting on", so be sure you can hear students counting.
Transitioning to center rotations students will be ready to play the game with a quick explanation using the anchor charts included. The objective is to practice "counting on", so be sure you can hear students counting.
Hands-On Hooray: The lesson encourages students to use a strategy of "counting on". Buttons are placed in a choice bin, students draw their numbers from a special box to keep it fun and interactive. Snap blocks or popsicle sticks can also be used for "counting on". Remember, It's not whether you win or lose it's how you play the game that develops the strategy. Listen to their counting.
The Audience: Incorporate movement and celebration after the lesson, and have students Dance to I'm a Math Whiz.
Why Multi-Resource Lessons Matter!
Multi-resource lessons are a Teaching Toolbox.
Ready to spice up your lessons? Here are some tips:
Know your audience: Tailor your resources to their age, interests, and learning styles.
Mix and match: Don't be afraid to get creative! Combine traditional methods with modern technology, hands-on activities with thought-provoking discussions.
Curate with care: Choose resources that are accurate, engaging, and relevant to your lesson objectives.
Make it interactive: Encourage students to interact with the video resources, ask questions, and share their insights through discussion or in graphic organizers or workbooks.
Identify their Superhero Skills!: Every child has a unique learning superpower. Some zoom through sight words, others build bridges with Legos, even, making it across the Monkey bars requires the skill of being prepared for the next rung and never giving up.
By using different resources, you cater to diverse learning styles, helping each child unlock their special skills and build confidence as they conquer learning challenges.