This class is the first half of first grade math.  Part 2 is the second half of a full year of first grade math. This class is most appropriate for students at a first grade level meaning students should be able to count to 10, identify written numbers 1-10, and verbally identify shapes (circle, square, and triangle).

In this 16 week course focusing on the first half of first grade math, students learn number sense (0-50), adding, subtracting, regroupinng, recognizing shapes and their traits, place value (ones and tens places), telling time, and measurement. 

This course focuses on gaining and recognizing which strategies to use while working at the pace best for each group of students.  Students try to generate their own strategies before being shown old and new style math approaches.  Each class focuses on the strategies that work best for each particular group of students.

Each class utilizes a variety of tools like discussion, visual presentations, games, songs, hands-on activities, videos, stories, and puppets to engage students and enhance learning.

Each class meeting follows the schedule/flow below:

Mathmetician Minute
*Quick, confidence building math game

Numbers
*This portion of the class is all about number sense from 0-50.   As knowledge increases, place value studies will be introduced during this portion of the class.

Adding and Subtraction
*We work on a few short equations/number sentences and move onto a complex word problem.  As students increase their knowledge, this portion of the class will include regrouping studies.

Shapes, Measurement, and Time
*This portion of the class will include activies to identify shapes and their traits, measurement with a ruler, measurement with units, and telling time on a clock with hands.

Mathmetician Meeting
*Our class ends with our meeting where I introduce students to their (very easy, self guided) homework assignment by giving explicit instructions and then modeling to the students exactly how to complete their homework.  Instructions for all homework assignments are also always posted in our OS classroom. Examples of homework assignments include standing on one foot while counting to 10, teaching a stuffed animal how to add 5 + 2, writing their favorite number in their Math Notebook, etc.
*Every class ends with our Math Motto.  I tell the students I believe in them and ask them if they believe in themselves.  This is used throughout our classes as a confidence building technique.