Enduring Understandings are important ideas that students should carry with them years beyond the instruction received this year.

• In order to talk about estimates, we must be able to understand and use the language of math.

• A sense of number is necessary to find reasonable estimates.

• Recognizing patterns and attributes of objects help us identify categories and make sense of our world.

• Understanding geometry helps us see basic spatial relationships and solve problems.

• Computational skills are needed to find solutions to real world problems.

Essential Questions are the most important “big picture” questions students should be able to answer after completing learning activities.

• Why is it important to estimate and what is the best strategy to make an estimation?

• How do we use number sense to reach a reasonable solution when estimating?

• How do we recognize, extend, construct, and communicate patterns to help solve problems.

• How can we group (categorize) objects in different ways? (color, size, shape, etc.)

• What are different ways that we can order objects?

• How can the vocabulary of geometry help us develop spatial awareness and solve problems?

• How do we use addition and subtraction to solve problems?

CSAP Tested Standards  Highest Frequency High Frequency Other Standards and E-Skills Highest Frequency = the timing, intensity and level of accountability is extremely high because mastery of these skills will must be demonstrated at this grade level. High Frequency = the timing, intensity and level of accountability is high because mastery of these skills is expected at this grade level. Other Standards and E-Skills = the timing, intensity, and level of mastery are not urgent. It should be introduced during this time so students can experience the concept and return in future quarters to strive towards mastery.

Standard 1: Number Sense - December
Explore estimation terms (about, near, closer to, a little less than).
Make reasonable estimates in simple activities.
Participate in simple estimation activities.
Standard 2: Patterns and Algebra - December
Extend and create patterns (ABC, AAB, ABB, etc.).
Recognize, name, draw or form 2-dimensional shapes.
Standard 3: Data and Graphs - December
Read, create and interpret graphs.
Standard 4: Geometry - December
Sort and classify objects using two attributes (i.e., size, color, use).
Standard 5: Measurement - December
Demonstrate understanding of attributes of length and weight by measuring with nonstandard units.
Apply and communicate a strategy using measurement techniques to solve simple problems.
Standard 6: Computation - December
Explore addition and subtraction with manipulatives
 

MORE CHART INFO. TO COME...

Resources for Teachers

• For Scott Foresman and Houghton Mifflin page numbers click here.
• Mountain Math, Math Their Way, Creative Mathematics (Kim Sutton), Math Solutions (Marilyn Burns), Math Perspectives (Kathy Richardson) (if your building has purchased these resources)
• Your particular math series (see chart on Unit pages listing page numbers to support standards)
• Success Maker (ask your LTE)
• Exemplars (CSAP style problem solving with writing, 4-point rubrics, and sample student papers available on D11 website)
• Math Keys (electronic manipulative – ask your LTE)

Assessments
Teacher observation, Hundreds Chart, Calendar Activities, Math Bingo, Manipulative/White Board/Slate assessments, EDM assessment CD’s.

Parents
December finds Kindergarten math students building on the basic concepts begun in the fall. More addition and subtraction activities are now incorporated. Help your child understand the ideas of adding to and taking away from by telling simple stories; Two birds sit on a fence, three more come. How many birds are on the fence now? Whenever it is practical, use objects to represent the numbers in the simple stories. Turn the stories around to show the inverse nature of addition and subtraction; The five birds that are on the fence get hungry. Three fly off to get a worm. How many are still on the fence? You will both enjoy thinking up simple stories to represent adding and subtracting.

Lessons