In math, students are given opportunities to investigate, predict, and communicate their thinking and reasoning as they learn various mathematical concepts. Connecting math concepts to the real world is something that is encouraged and valued. While students are engaged in their learning they will use many manipulatives, participate in discussions, and perform paper and pencil tasks. The math program we use is Investigations. If you would like to learn more about this program, check out the Investigation web site. The program has been designed to engage students in key mathematical concepts as they develop number sense, understand geometric relationships, and explore data.
Current research has shown us that there are six levels of understanding mathematics. In the first grade program students will be involved in investigations that will foster and promote these six levels. The six levels are described below:
Intuitive - This is what students come with. It is what they intuitively know and understand about numbers.
Concrete - Students use manipulatives to demonstrate their thinking.
Pictorial - Students create pictures or visuals to demonstrate their thinking.
Abstract - Students use numbers and symbols to demonstrate their thinking.
Application - Students make connections and apply concepts to new situations.
Communication - Students communicate their thinking through words.
Math Web Sites for Teachers
By the end of 1st grade, children should be able to:
1. Represent and solve addition/subtraction problems within 20.
2. Solve word problems with up to 3 addends/ sums to 20.
3. Understand and apply properties of operations of + and - .
4. Understand and apply relationship between + and - .
5. Add/subtract fluently and accurately with 20.
6. Understand meaning of equations/can determine if true.
7. Count, read, write, any number to 120.
8. Understand place value (tens and ones).
9. Use place value to add and subtract.
10. Compare and record two digit numbers.
11. Measure lengths indirectly through comparison.
12. Measure lengths by using non-standard units.
13. Tell/ write time to the hour and half hour. (analog & digital)
14. Organize represents, and interprets data.
15. Build and draw shapes.
16. Compose/decompose 2 and 3 dimensional shapes.
17. Partition circles and rectangles into 2 and 4 equal shares.
