A few years ago, my first grade teaching team and I noticed that there were some significant gaps in our math curriculum between first and second grade. While first graders were only exposed to numbers to 120, second graders began the year expected learn subtraction of three digit numbers with regrouping. Not even kidding. To amend this gap, second grade created an introductory unit that would stair step students into these difficult concepts, and first grade created a numbers to 1,000 unit that we would use to expose students to reading, writing, and counting numbers that they otherwise may not see before second grade.
Here are the Top 3 Station Activities we found most effective in getting first grade students comfortable with numbers to 1,000.
1. Number Scrolls
At the beginning of fourth quarter, my students move from working on a 120s chart to working on number scrolls. Put simply, number scrolls are basically student created 1,000s charts. Students begin with a grid paper with 100 squares taped to a paper towel roll. They write their numbers to 100 then glue on a second sheet to write their numbers to 200. They then glue on another sheet and write their numbers to 300 and so on. Students learn SO MUCH about the patterns numbers follow from this experience! It is one of the greatest activities for growth each year for every ability level student. Kids LOVE seeing their number scrolls grow. I keep them pumped up asking, “Do you think it is as tall as your dad yet?” or “Why don’t you take your number scroll down to see if it is as tall as the principal!” Click the picture or here to learn more about number scrolls and how to implement them (for free!)
2. Base Ten Blocks
Base ten blocks and place value charts are of course a critical part of helping students understand what numbers in the upper hundreds actually mean in terms of their place value. We work on building numbers with a partner and individually. We also have a fun game that we work on with base ten blocks and expanded form called Place Value Build. Students create structures or flat pictures with base ten blocks then record the base ten blocks they used to create the structure. (I will add some photos of this game in action soon!)
3. 1,000 Chart Activities
I created a summer themed 1,000s chart that I use for several games and activities. What I LOVE is that I only have to prep the cart and the number cards I use with it once and I can adapt it to use over and over with different games. Students get the practice they need without losing interest! Students can draw a number, search for it on the chart and cover it with a bingo chip. In the picture below, students are working as a group to cover as many numbers as possible before the time is up. This is also a great exercise in synergy! We use the chart to guess mystery numbers, compare numbers, count, and build numbers with base ten blocks. This is just a great learning tool and helps students visualize how numbers are sequenced and arranged.
I also have a pack with other number sense activities I use throughout this unit if you are wanting even more station and small group activities!
Shine Bright!
-Brandi
Opmerkingen