Learning Math Together!

In first grade, we are working on subtraction from teen numbers. We have been using math drawings and circling 10 out of the teen number to make it easier to subtract. This helps students to build their number sense, while also making connections to subtracting and adding.

After modeling how to make a math drawing, circle the 10, and subtract, it was only a few rounds of modeling before students started seeing how quicker they could subtract 8 or 9 from the 10, rather than the teen numbers. For the lesson, I used the Kagan structure Numbered Heads Together for the students to practice a problem. I first modeled what this structure would look like for the students emphasizing each step with one table. The first time we did it as a class, we went step by step slowly. First, we all solve the problem on our own and hold the board to our chest. Once everyone had followed that step, we moved onto the next step together! When the students heard me call numbered heads together, they were instructed to stand, show their boards to their team members, and cheer or coach their teammates. 

At first, I’ll be honest I didn’t know how the coaching part would go for them. They seem to just want to give the answer to their partners right away, instead of coaching them through it. But I heard a couple students looking over at their teammates' board and walking through that person’s steps to find where they could help them to figure out the right answer and I was amazed with my 1st graders! It was so engaging for these students and they looked forward to math each day when I told them we were going to do numbered heads together again!