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Lesson Plan


		Lesson Information


		Objectives
		Assessment


		Resources
		Materials
		Vocabulary
		Procedures
		Day Plans
		Enrichment Options


		Teacher Reflection

Stage 1
Identify Desired Results

Catchy Title: Chomping Numbers
Theme/Topic of Lesson: More Than / Less Than (comparing numbers)
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Subject Area(s):
Mathematics - Number sense
Grade Level(s): Kindergarten
Standards Alignment:
Class Challenge Question:

How do we know one number is larger than another number?

Overview:

This math lesson will teach the concept of more than and less than <> with an alligator. The alligator has a full body with its mouth extended open like it is getting ready to eat something. The alligator should be a solid color (green) with a differently colored (red) side ways V on the mouth. First, the concept will be introduced to the kindergarten students with just the alligator. Explain to the children that the alligator is really hungry and only eats “big things.” Have picture cards with number sets to explain further. For example, use a card with 2 balloons and a card with 4 balloons. Have the children share responses as to which card the alligator would eat and why. Have the alligator “chomp” on the larger number. Children can take turns placing the alligator on the correct number to “chomp.” If picture cards are not available, draw pictures on index cards. Once the children have successfully completed the task with picture cards, take away the pictures and add numbers. Students need to know numbers 1-10 in order for this lesson to be successful. Start with numbers 1-10 and depending on the children’s abilities increase to numbers 11-20 and higher. Continue to have the alligator “chomp” on the larger numbers. Children enjoy chomping with their arms like the alligator’s mouth when the answer has been given. Continue to practice until the children respond correctly. This would be done with the whole group of students.

When the children have mastered the alligator with numbers, give the children mini alligators and number sets to complete independently. Children will have the alligator “chomp” the biggest number. The children can continue to practice until mastered. The final step would be to remove the alligator body and use the sign that had been placed on the alligator’s mouth to manipulate problems. Remind children to think about the alligator chomping when placing the sign by the largest number. Children should also be able to visualize the alligator’s mouth and place the sign in the correct direction. Continue to practice this skill during morning opening exercises, problem of the day, math center station, or journal time.

Stage 2
Determine Acceptable Evidence

Learning Objectives:

The Students will:

Use the sign when solving picture and number problems.

Assessment

Students will have individual alligators to manipulate at their seats. The teacher will assess by walking around the classroom and viewing the position of the alligator’s mouth. If more practice is needed, provide a learning center of the same activities to review. Students can work in pairs, small groups, or individually to practice and master this skill. The concept can also be a part of morning exercises, which would provide the opportunity to assess daily.

Stage 3
Plan Learning Experiences

Resources

Internet Sites	Early Math for Kids This site could be used to gather additional activities for the class. The simple version could be used independently or in the computer lab by each student.
	http://www.edu4kids.com/emath/
	Mailbox magazine There are additional activities mentioned in this edition that could coincide with this lesson. There are some additional materials that could be supplemental.
	http://www.themailboxcompanion.com
	A to Z teacher Stuff This site provides additional themes and clip art that could be used to enhance the lesson. There is no fee to use the site, but registration is required.
	http://www.AtoZTeacherStuff.com

Materials

Per class
Large Alligator
Per Student
Number cards
Picture cards
Pencils
Alligator

Not Specified
Indicators (View)

Vocabulary

More than - Greater number, size, or degree
Less than - Smaller; of smaller or lower importance or degree

Procedures

Students will use the alligator to master more than and less than concepts either with picture cards or number cards. The levels would depend on the developmental level of the students. Technology can be integrated by selecting two numbers or picture cards and have the students use the mouse to draw a >< sign by the greater number. Students who have mastered picture sets can rotate to number sets. Groups can be formed to individualize instruction. If students need practice with picture sets, they can work together. Larger numbers can be given to students who have mastered numbers 1-20. Continue using larger numbers with this group to enrich concept. Students who have mastered the entire concept can be paired with students who need additional help and practice.

Instructional strategies that are utilized will be modeling and hands-on approach.

The technology configuration could be utilized through one computer in the classroom for individual or paired practice. The computer lab could be utilized where each student would have a computer to work at his or her own pace and level. The teacher could name numbers and the students would type the numbers and then add the sign. This could be done in a basic word processing program.

The lesson can be differentiated for all learners by using picture cards for students who are challenged at number recognition. Number cards 1-20 can be used for the average learner who continues to need practice, but understands the value of each number. Number cards 20+ can be used with the students who have mastered number recognition and number value as well as being confident with the terms more than and less than.

The classroom configurations could be students working at class tables, small groups in chairs, or on the floor.

Pre-assess students' knowledge by completing a number recognition and quantity picture set assessment. For example, write the numbers 0 - 20 in random order and have the students independently identify the numbers. Record the results to establish levels. Draw pictures and have the students identify which set is more or less.

One: Chomping Numbers
Daily Challenge Question: How do we know one number is larger than another number?
40 minutes

Set-up Directions:
The teacher will need to have number set cards, picture set cards, an alligator cutout, and a V shape prior to beginning this lesson. Number and picture cards can be drawn using index cards, which would allow the teacher to make cards based on the level of his/her students. After the whole group lesson, students will have an opportunity to practice the skill. Students can share materials if working in pairs. If they are working independently, cards, alligator, and the V-shape will be needed for each student.

Teacher Presentation & Motivation:
The teacher will begin the lesson by having all of the students sitting on the floor by the chalkboard. The teacher will show the children the alligator cutout and explain this alligator loves to eat big numbers. It does not like to waste its time on little numbers. This story can be elaborated to have the students buy into the concept. Have the students use their arms as the alligator’s mouth and practice chomping. Point out the shape that is placed on the alligator’s mouth. Explain that the alligator gets chapped lips from eating so many numbers and that the greater than / less than sign is alligator chap stick. Share with the students that the chapstick will eventually not be needed. Allow the children to ask questions. Next, give the students two picture sets to try and solve. If they answer correctly, have the students chomp with their arms. The teacher should then place the alligator over the picture set that has more than the other set. Continue practicing until the teacher feels the students are ready to practice the concept at their seat.

Activity 1 - Manipulating the Alligator
Students will take the alligator and manipulate with picture and number cards. After the students are confident and correctly utilize the alligator, the alligator body can be put aside and children can use the sign to manipulate the picture and number sets. The students will “flip” the shape to the direction of the greater number on the cards. The students will not glue the sign because they will not be able to continue to use it for additional problems. Students can work in pairs taking turns checking problems or students can work independently. Small groups of 4 students would work with students solving the problems cooperatively. Once the students have completed the activity (approximately 20 minutes) have the students return to the whole group and practice a few “challenge” problems on the board. This would include slightly harder problems then they had been working on. Collect all materials to be used again.

As the students progress through the steps, accommodations can be made where needed for the students who require additional help.

Activity 2 - Using Pencils
Once the students have mastered the concepts in activity one at all levels, the students can use their pencils to draw the in the correct place using a variety of problems. After observing students in Activity 1, a math paper can be created based on the level the students have reached. For example, if students are still needing pictures, create a worksheet drawing pictures for the students to write the sign. Stickers can also be used instead of pictures for dimension. If students are using numbers, list numbers 0-10 or 11-20 randomly for students to write . (i.e. 5 3 would be 5>3) For additional number practice, the students can write the number as the teacher calls them out.

Once the students have completed the problems, collect the pencils and paper for checking. Encourage the students to practice the skill at home with different objects.

Wrap Up:
Have the students come to the front of the classroom in a whole group and answer the class challenge question. Continue to have the children practice in daily opening or journal writing. Have the alligator shape and pencils available for students to continue to practice these skills. Now that the students have an understanding and comprehension of the terms more than and less than and manipulating the sign, the next step would be to introduce simple addition.

Enrichment Options

Community Connection
Have the students create a poster to display at the local library in a language art connection with the book, Lyle Lyle Crocodile.

Parent-Home Connection
Plan a family math night where family members visit the classroom and participate in math stations. Also, make an extra set of manipulatives for the students to take home and practice with their families. When completing your class newsletter include a few problems the students can complete to show their families the skills they have been practicing.

Cross-Curricular Extensions
Team up with the media specialists and have a theme study of fiction and non/fiction collections about alligators.

Science / Math - Have the students weigh different objects using a scale and record their observations using the sign.

Art - Make a paper bag puppet of an alligator. The students will be able to practice chomping using their puppet.

Stage 4
Teacher Reflection

As a reflective practitioner, note how this lesson could be adjusted after its initial implementation. How successful were the students? What did the assessment demonstrate about the students’ learning? What skills do the students need to revisit? What instructional strategies worked and what made them successful? What will you change the next time you use this lesson? Why?

Author: Heather Morgan
Modified by: Megan E. Tucker
Program: Maryland Initiative for New Teachers (MINT)
Author's School System: Allegany County Public Schools
Author's School: Parkside School