Math Block

My first year of teaching 1st grade I was scrambling to put materials together, since we have no math series. I was kind of all over the place! I am a pretty systematic thinker and knew there had to be a better way than basic direct instruction with a few hands on activities here and there. So, my thought process began a little like this... ahhhh where do I want to go and what do I want to do for my students! I knew math should be engaging and fun, cover basic skills and more challenging concepts while allowing for differentiation. 

Our ISD has been very thorough in teaching us all the components necessary for reading instruction. I thought about the 5 big ideas for reading and tried to find their counterpart in math. Here's what I came up with after much deliberation:

Fluency: basic math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

Vocabulary: adding math vocabulary to the word wall and defining words in a math dictionary

Comprehension: common core lesson that meets math objective (whole group)

Phonics: Math Pals program, reviews number naming, teaches place value, addition, subtraction, greater than and less than, and etc.

Phonemic Awareness: Mental Math activities and rote counting skills

Once I had the plan down I had to organize my math block. Here's how it looks:

1. Calendar Journals - I used to change these monthly, but this year will only change the style at the half. They are awesome at doing this independently now!

2. Mad Minute Basic Math fact drills - While students complete calendar independently I pass these out by calling the students over for their individual test.

3. Mental Math - Either at the carpet or with their whiteboards depending on the time of year.
Back to School Mental Math Brush Up
1st Grade Mental Math
2nd Grade Mental Math
3rd Grade Mental Math

4. Math Exercises - We do these daily and change it each month. In September, we start with jogging in place while counting by 1's to 120. In October it's upper body twists while counting by 2 to 120. November we do leg touches while counting by fives to 120. December we jump in place while counting by tens to 120. January we are back to jogging in place counting back from 120 to 0. After we have the basics down I simply go back to whatever I feel like doing! :)

5. Math Pals - I totally LOVE this program. I do not do it using the "pals" concept, but simply run through it whole group using the document camera or calling out numbers for their number lines. I just see what the task is and adapt. This really helps solidify basic numeracy skills. It's an intervention program that I use whole group with great results!
Kindergarten Sample Lesson
1st Grade Sample Lesson
2nd-6th Grade Sample Lesson

6. Whole Group Common Core lesson - This might be introducing a skill with lessons and manipulatives and practicing on a worksheet or introducing math vocabulary. I use a book similar to this for my math definitions for the students and always put the word on the word wall!
K-5 Math Teaching: Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, and Third Grade
Common Core Math: Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, and Third Grade
NC Math Common Core
Live Binder Resources
Common Core Math Games
MAISA Units
Virtual Math Manipulatives
Math Game Time
Illustrative Math Lessons
Engage NY

7. Math BUILD centers - I stole this center set up last year from a blog I was following. It can be easily adapted for what works best for you. Here's what mine looks like:

B-Buddy Games
Kids Count math games

U - Using Manipulatives
Jessica Meacham's Math Tubs

I - Independent Work - they start in their math packet practicing number writing. This could also be a great place to add a math journal.
Math Progress Packet - 1st Grade

L - Learning Numbers
Trace, Cut, and Paste Numbers 1-100

D - Doing Math on the Computers