Reading Math Directions Like a Superhero!

Math Grades 1st Grade 4:34 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn to read and understand important words in math directions to become a super-smart, independent learner!

Video Resource

I Can Read Directions! (Memorizing These Words Will Aid Primary Students In Reading Directions.)

The Eagle's Nest - Our Online Classroom

Duration: 4:34
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Direction words (write, draw, circle, etc.)
  • Color words (red, blue, green, etc.)
  • Shape words (triangle, square, circle, etc.)
  • Number words (one, two, three, etc.)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify and read common direction words.
  • Students will be able to follow simple math instructions using direction, color, shape and number words.
  • Students will improve their reading comprehension skills within a math context.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by explaining that being able to read directions is like having a superpower! Introduce the idea that some words show up a lot in math and that learning them will help them do better in math.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Watch the 'I Can Read Directions!' video. Encourage students to follow along and repeat the words as they are presented.
  • Word Review (8 mins)
    Go through each category of words (direction, color, shape, number) from the video. Write them on the board and have students read them together. Discuss what each word means and give simple examples related to math.
  • Activity Time (10 mins)
    Distribute worksheets with simple math problems using the direction words learned. For example: 'Circle the number 5,' 'Color the square red,' 'Count the triangles and write the number.'
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key direction words and their meanings. Emphasize the importance of reading carefully in math.

Interactive Exercises

  • Simon Says Math
    Play a game of 'Simon Says' using math-related instructions. For example, 'Simon Says, draw a blue circle,' or 'Simon Says, write the number three.'
  • Color by Number
    Provide a color-by-number worksheet where the numbers are associated with math problems. Students solve the problems and color the corresponding areas according to the key.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to be able to read the directions in math?
  • Can you think of a time when you had trouble following directions? How could knowing these words have helped?
  • What is your favorite shape? What is your favorite color? How can knowing these words help us in math?

Skills Developed

  • Reading comprehension
  • Following instructions
  • Vocabulary building
  • Critical thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does 'circle' mean?

Correct Answer: To draw a round shape

Question 2:

What color is red?

Correct Answer: The color of fire trucks

Question 3:

Which shape has three sides?

Correct Answer: Triangle

Question 4:

What number comes after one?

Correct Answer: Two

Question 5:

What does 'write' mean?

Correct Answer: To put your name on paper

Question 6:

What color is yellow?

Correct Answer: The color of the sun

Question 7:

Which shape has four equal sides?

Correct Answer: Square

Question 8:

What number comes before three?

Correct Answer: Two

Question 9:

What does 'count' mean?

Correct Answer: To add numbers

Question 10:

What color is blue?

Correct Answer: The color of the sky

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Please ______ a circle around the number 7.

Correct Answer: circle

Question 2:

The sky is often ______.

Correct Answer: blue

Question 3:

A ______ has three sides.

Correct Answer: triangle

Question 4:

Can you ______ to ten?

Correct Answer: count

Question 5:

The grass is usually ______.

Correct Answer: green

Question 6:

A ______ has four equal sides.

Correct Answer: square

Question 7:

______ the number 2 on the line.

Correct Answer: write

Question 8:

The sun is usually ______.

Correct Answer: yellow

Question 9:

Please ______ a picture of a house.

Correct Answer: draw

Question 10:

The color of strawberries is ______.

Correct Answer: red

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.G.A.1:Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes. CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.A.1:Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120. In this range, read and write numerals and represent a number of objects with a written numeral.

Teaching Materials

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