Grade One Math is taught through a program called Go MATH directly linked to the Common Core Curriculum. Go Math is based on research and proven classroom results. It is specifically written to align to the CCSS. In addition to a wide variety of resources that are available for students and teachers, the Go Math! program comes with online student materials, practice and games. Go Math builds upon the students' curiosity, eagerness, and intuitive mathematics knowledge and is based on real life experiences. Children engage with Common Core Standards in new ways. Lessons are differentiated and begin with context-based situations and then build to more abstract problems. All along the way children use models, manipulatives, quick pictures, and symbols to build mathematical understanding. Building problem solving strategies designed to equip students for real life situations is an ongoing focus. Children record, represent, solve and explain as they discover new understandings. Technology is embedded in instruction whenever possible.
Go MATH Common Core organizes content by domain, and all topics for each domain are grouped together: • Operations and Algebraic Thinking • Number and Operations in Base Ten • Measurement and Data • Geometry
The units covered in grade 1 are:
• Addition and Subtraction concepts • Addition and Subtraction strategies and relationships • Counting, modeling, and comparing numbers • Two-Digit addition and subtraction • Measurement (using nonstandard units of measurement) • Data (reading graphs) • Two and Three dimensional geometry
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES:
Assessments are formative and summative. Types of assessments include the following math journals, portfolios, drawings, charts, tables, and graphs, individual and classroom assessment, pencil and paper tests, Math Conferences (individual, group, teacher-initiated and child-initiated) Observations planned (formal), unplanned (informal), performance tasks, anecdotal records, and checklists.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
Whole and small group, paired learning, games, inquiry based activities, modeling, activating prior knowledge, exit cards to assess comprehension of lesson, Differentiated Instruction, direct teaching of prerequisite skills, multi-sensory approaches (ie. Smart Board), practice, timed drills, computer drill, interactive activities, small groups, shared and guided math activities, EATS (essential question, activating strategy, tasks, summary).