| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | Mathematics |
| What topic | counting strategies, fraction, number sentences |
| What length (min) | 90 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 1 |
| Class size | 40 |
| What curriculum | new zealand curriculum |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Counting Strategies, Fractions, Number Sentences
Year 1 / Grade 1
Mathematics
40 Students
This lesson plan aligns with the New Zealand Mathematics Curriculum, focusing on Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and the strands of Problem Solving and Reasoning.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (mins) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 10 | Introduce the topic of counting strategies, fractions, and number sentences. Engage students with a brief discussion. |
| 2 | Homework Presentations | 15 | A few selected students present their homework to the class. Encourage questions and feedback. |
| 3 | Whole Class Teaching | 20 | Teach counting strategies using manipulatives. Introduce basic fractions using fraction circles/bars. Use examples and visuals. |
| 4 | Group Activity | 25 | Divide students into small groups. Each group works on a hands-on activity involving creating number sentences and fractions. |
| 5 | Share Group Findings | 10 | Each group presents their findings or solutions to the class. Encourage class discussion on different strategies used. |
| 6 | Wrap-Up and Reflection | 5 | Summarize the key concepts learned in the lesson. Highlight the importance of counting strategies and fractions. |
| 7 | Assign Homework | 5 | Distribute homework sheets with tasks related to counting strategies and fractions. Explain expectations for completion. |
This lesson encourages collaborative learning and hands-on experiences to build foundational mathematical skills in a fun and engaging way.
“Good morning, class! Today we are going to explore some exciting topics in mathematics: counting strategies, fractions, and number sentences. To start us off, can anyone share how they count things around us? Perhaps you have a favorite counting method?"
(Encourage students to raise their hands and share their ideas. Acknowledge their contributions, and facilitate a brief discussion.)
“Great ideas! Counting is so important because it helps us with many things in math. Now, who can tell me what a fraction is?”
(Listen to student responses and guide the discussion towards understanding fractions.)
“Exactly! Fractions represent a part of a whole. Today, we'll learn how to use counting strategies and fractions together to create number sentences. Let’s dive into the lesson!”
“Now, before we begin our new lesson, I would like to invite a few students to share their homework with the class. Can I have [Student 1], [Student 2], and [Student 3] come up to present?”
(Allow each student to present their homework, encouraging their classmates to listen.)
“Thank you for sharing, everyone! Let’s give them a round of applause!”
(Encourage the class to ask questions after each presentation.)
“Remember, asking questions helps us learn even more. Did anyone notice a different strategy used while presenting? Great job!”
“Okay, everyone, let’s gather around the whiteboard. I want to show you some counting strategies using our manipulatives here.”
(Introduce counting manipulatives like blocks or counters.)
“Who can tell me how we can use these to count? That’s right! We can group them in tens or fives to make counting easier. Let’s practice together! Can I have a volunteer to count these blocks using a grouping strategy?”
(Guide the student through counting with manipulatives until several strategies have been explored.)
“Now, let’s move to fractions! Here, I have some fraction circles. Can anyone tell me what they see?”
(Introduce the fraction circles and explain how they represent parts of a whole.)
“Look! This circle is divided into halves, and this one into quarters. Let’s demonstrate this by taking one whole circle and cutting it into two equal parts. Can we all say ‘half‘ together? Great! Fractions help us see how parts fit into a big picture.”
“Now it’s time for some fun! I would like to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive fraction circles and a worksheet. Your task is to create number sentences using these fractions and the counting strategies we learned today. Also, use the manipulatives to help you!”
(Hand out materials and assign groups.)
“I’ll give you about 25 minutes to work together. Remember, collaborate and share your ideas! I am here if you need any help.”
“Time’s up, everyone! I hope you had a wonderful time working together. Now, I would like each group to share their findings. Who would like to go first?”
(Allow each group to present their work. After each presentation, encourage the class to ask questions or provide feedback.)
“Fantastic job! I love seeing the different strategies you all used. Can anyone share what they learned from another group?”
(Facilitate a brief discussion on the different strategies presented.)
“Wow! You all did an amazing job today! Let’s recap what we learned. Who can tell me the importance of counting strategies?”
(Give students time to respond and summarize their points.)
“And what about fractions? Why are they important in our math learning?”
(Summarize key points regarding fractions.)
“Remember, counting and understanding fractions will help you with many math problems in the future. Great teamwork today!”
“Before we end our lesson, I have a homework assignment for you. You will receive a worksheet that includes tasks related to counting strategies and fractions to practice at home.”
(Distribute the homework sheets.)
“Make sure you try your best and ask for help if you need it. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Remember to bring it back next class.”
“Alright, that’s all for today. Thank you for your wonderful participation! Have a great day, everyone!”
What are some effective counting strategies you can use to count objects around you? Provide at least two examples.
Explain what a fraction is and give an example of a fraction that represents a part of a whole.
Using the fraction circles you learned about in class, how many quarters are in one whole? Show this using drawings or manipulatives if possible.
Create a number sentence using a fraction you have learned. Explain how you arrived at your answer.
Choose a counting strategy (such as grouping in tens or fives) and apply it to count a set of 30 objects. Describe the process in detail.
Reflect on your group activity. What different counting strategies did your group use while creating number sentences? List at least two strategies.
Create your own visual representation (like a drawing or diagram) of a fraction and label your parts clearly. Share your representation with someone at home and explain it to them.
Why do you think understanding counting strategies and fractions is important for solving real-life problems? Write a short paragraph explaining your thoughts.
Effective counting strategies include counting by ones or grouping objects in fives or tens.
A fraction is a representation of a part of a whole. For example, 1/2 is a fraction that indicates one part out of two equal parts.
There are 4 quarters in one whole. This can be shown by dividing a circle into four equal parts.
Example of a number sentence: 1/2 + 1/4 = 3/4. I added the fractions by finding a common denominator (4) and combining them.
When counting 30 objects, I can group them into sets of 10: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30. This makes it easier to count.
My group used the strategies of grouping objects in tens and using fraction circles to visualize the fractions.
(Student's own representation should include a sufficiently divided circle, labeled appropriately, as per their own creation).
Understanding counting strategies and fractions helps in daily activities such as budgeting, cooking, and measuring, as it allows us to accurately assess quantities and make informed decisions.
Can anyone think of a real-life situation where counting strategies would help you? Share your example with the class.
If I have a pizza divided into eight slices and I eat two slices, what fraction of the pizza is left? Can you explain how you figured that out?
Imagine you are grouping items to count them efficiently. If you have 27 apples, how would you group them to make counting easier?
Why do you think it’s useful to learn about fractions when it comes to sharing things like food or toys? Can you give an example?
How do you think the number sentences we created today can be applied in other areas of math? Can you think of any connections?