School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Mathematics, Grade 1

Algebra | Geometry | Measurement | Statistics | Probability | Number | Processes

Lesson Seeds: The lesson seeds are ideas for the indicator/objective that can be used to build a lesson. Lesson seeds are not meant to be all-inclusive, nor are they substitutes for instruction.

Standard 6.0 Knowledge of Number Relationships and Computation/Arithmetic

Topic A. Knowledge of Number and Place Value

Indicator 1. Apply knowledge of whole numbers and place value

Objective b. Identify multiple representations for a number, such as: 12, 6 + 6, dozen

Lesson Name

Break!

Materials needed

Give pairs of students a train of 13 connected snap cubes.

Activity

BlockPartners take turns breaking apart the train of cubes and recording the result. One partner from each pair of students holds the train behind his/her back. Say to students, "Break!" Student holding the train break it into two parts. The parts are shown to the partner so that he/she can record the result of the "break," or ways to represent 13. (See example.)

Students re-connect the train of snap cubes, and partners switch roles. They continue breaking apart the train and recording ways to represent 13. Ask partners to share their combinations as you record on chart paper.

Repeat this activity on another day with a different number. When students are familiar with this activity, it can become a center.

Resource:
Juanita V. Copley. The Young Child and Mathematics. Washington, DC: NAEYC, 2000.

/toolkit/vsc/lessons/mathematics/grade1/6A1b.xml
Resources for Objective 6.A.1.b:
Clarifications | Prerequisites | LESSON SEEDS | Thinking Skills | Sample Assessments |