CCSS Context:
In first grade, students are expected to solve for unknowns in all positions (1.OA.1, 1.OA.D8). This content sets students up for future grades! They are actually doing early algebra-exchange that blank or box for an X and voila! Welcome to the world of pre-algebra. The only difference is students in the CCSS classroom don't have to wait until 5th-6th grade to practice this material.
Hook:
Play this fun online game to get kids excited about today's Card Themed Lesson! This is aligned to the CCSS emphasis on using technology in the classroom - this game provides another way for students to practice the material.
Review
We have been learning about the importance of thinking about what each number represents in an equation. In today's game, you are going to practice all of your types of missing number problems.
Objective:
Your thinking job is: How can I solve for the unknown in this equation?
Present problem: ____ - 6 = 4
In today's game, we will have to think about which number card could go in this blank to make the number sentence true. I am going to pull a few cards. We will discuss and prove whether or not that number makes the equation true.
First Card: 2
I chose this number to go first because it is the most common mistake students make with start unknown problems. Students recognize a well known fact family, but don't closely attend to the equation. In this case, students might see the 6 and 4, and know that 2 is in that family. Starting here addresses this misconception head on, setting students up to be successful in future problems.
Guiding Questions:
Second Card: 6
Guiding Questions:
Partner talk: I keep getting the wrong answer! Show me on your white boards what number needs to go in this blank to make the equation true. Watch this Whiteboard Whip Around-you'll see multiple kids' strategies on their whiteboards.
After student discussion, we will chart how to figure it out on chart paper.
See attached Class Chart!
I decided to have one student model using cubes for the class. Concrete models are very important for first graders; students learn starting with the concrete before being able to understand picture and abstract representations. Watch this Concrete Model video for our discussion!
Present Problem: 12 = 9 + ____
Guiding Questions:
I'll have students prove or disprove each card on a whiteboard.
First Card: 21
Second Card: 12
Third Card: 3
After each card, students will share with a partner whether or not that number completes the equation.
I'll model the game on the rug a few times for students. I'll also post the rules so they are easy to reference throughout the game.
Rules:
1. Each partner group gets a gameboard and a set of number cards.
2. Partner 1 pulls a number card.
3. Partner 1 checks each number sentence. Does this number make any of the statements true? If so, the partner places the number there.
4. Partner 2 pulls a number card and does the same thing with that side of the board.
Keep playing until all of the spaces on the board are full.
After modeling the game, I'll have students play in partners for 15 minutes.
Differentiation:
Pick a Card Gameboards.docx attached!
I'll have students complete the attached exit ticket. Then we will assess the exit tickets as a class so students get immediate feedback on how they did.