aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Mathematics
What age group	Year or Grade 1
What topic	How can you show what is happening in a math story?
Quantity	1
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Beginning a Math Lesson: Storytime with Numbers

Objective:

To introduce first graders to the concept of visualizing math stories by engaging them in a fun, interactive way.

Materials Needed:

• Storybook or fabric/lfe picture of a simple story involving counting (e.g., "Five Little Monkeys")
• Whiteboard and markers
• Counters or small objects (like blocks or buttons)
• A blank page or large paper for drawing

Lesson Introduction:

1. Storytime Starter: Begin the lesson by gathering the students in a cozy reading area. Present them with a storybook that incorporates numbers and counting. For example, read "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed." As you read, pause to ask students questions about the story:

• “How many monkeys do we have at the start?”
• “What happens next? Can you count them with me?”

2. Create the Math Story Together: After reading, ask the students to think of their favorite part of the story. Ask, "What happened with the monkeys? How can we show that using numbers?"

3. Visualize As a Class: On the whiteboard, draw a simple scene based on the story. For example, start by drawing five monkeys on the bed. As you draw, count out loud together with the class, ensuring they see both the drawing and the counting:

• 5 Monkeys on the Bed:
  • Write the number "5" next to the drawing.

Next, as the story progresses (maybe one monkey falls off), ask the students how many are left. Show this on the whiteboard by crossing out a monkey and writing down the new number (e.g., "4").

4. Hands-On Activity: Now it's time for students to participate! Give each child some small counting objects.

• Ask them to create their own version of the monkey story.
• For example, they can start with seven monkeys, and then imagine different scenarios where some leave the bed, just like in the book.

5. Drawing What They Made: Finally, allow them to draw their monkey story on a piece of paper. They can illustrate their starting amount and what happens throughout the story, creating a visual representation of what they learned.

Conclusion:

Wrap up the lesson by sharing some of their drawings. Encourage them to explain how their pictures show what happened in their math story, reinforcing that math can be visual and fun!

This engaging introduction not only aligns with the concept of visualizing math stories but ensures that students are actively participating and using their creativity.