Unit+of+Instruction

This page will be updated throughout the year and will show a sample unit of instruction and other units our first graders will be working with. Please take some time to browse this page and see what we have been learning and working on!





**Title of Unit:** Counting with apples! **Author:** Melissa Krutsch

**Grade Level:** First grade
 * Primary Subject:** Mathematics

This unit is designed to teach students how to count using a number chart, apple seeds and coins. The purpose of learning how to count is applying the process of counting and using it in real world situations. We all need to understand methods of counting for everyday life styles. It is my goal for each student to learn the process through the participation of this unit through fun activities, individually, guided instruction and group work then apply that knowledge to real life.
 * Introduction:**


 * Unit Objectives: **


 * Student will understand the process of counting using apple themed money and objects (apple seeds).
 * Student will be able to sort, count money, coins and apple seeds and apply it to real situations.
 * The skills that need to be obtained will be basic number counting, critical thinking and applying.
 * Technology for the 21st century learning principles will be incorporated in this unit by daily power point presentations breifly describing daily plans.
 * I will have known if students have mastered this content by their group and individual effort in multiple tasks and workshops as well as test at the end of the unit with performing knowledge of the standards.


 * Time Required:** 2 weeks

media type="custom" key="3751537" This above youtube player has 5 videos that are a part of these lessons. The three videos about Johnny Appleseed will play a part in the learning of his adventure and what he was all about. The other two videos are based on counting. These videos will give a good example and intorduction first on counting and they use apples! As well as counting money. Both are great to watch for the lessons we will be learning.


 * __Lesson 1__**


 * Title of lesson:** "A place for Johnny Appleseed"


 * Description of lesson:** This lesson is based on an brief introduction into counting. I will read the class aloud Johnny Appleseed to get students familiar with the story before further lessons in counting and seed counting and planting. As I read to the students I will explain that they will each be Johnny's assistants during the next couple weeks.


 * Assignment:** Students will share two ways counting relates in the story of Johnny Appleseed as homework. They will bring this back written on paper the next day before the next lesson.


 * Resources/materials needed:** Johnny Appleseed book (I will provide)



media type="file" key="PhotoStory1_1.wmv" This is a digital story created in Photo Story. This digital story relates to this lesson because it introduces Johnny Appleseed and his life adventure to the students as we all go along with the book we will then read. The students will get a wonderful idea of who and what Johhny Appleseeds was about.

This file is from Google Earth. A very intersting go to site that creates and populates maps and GE tours! This sample map and tour will show you the places Johnny Appleseed traveled along the way while planting seeds. Let's track down Johnny's trail!


 * __Lesson 2__**


 * Title of lesson:** "Our own bags of seeds"


 * Description of lesson:** For this lesson I will be passing out brown paper bags with apple seeds in them. We will work in pairs for this lesson. The students will work together on their counting skills. We will use the seeds as manipulative to count by ones, fives and tens.


 * Assignment:** In class work will be to use a number chart 1-50, placing apple seeds on each number indicated and counting by ones, fives and tens out loud as you go.


 * Resources/materials needed:** Brown bag with apple seeds, a partner and a number chart


 * __Lesson 3__**


 * Title of lesson:** "Lets plant our seeds"


 * Description of lesson:** This lesson gives the students a chance to count how many seeds they want to plant in bucket. They will plant, water and watch their seeds grow over an extended amount of time in the classroom. We will evaluate how long it takes to have our our apple tree grow.


 * Assignment:** Each students will come to class with the next day with a guess of how long they believe it will take to see their new seeds grow into a tree. Let's take a guess!
 * Resources/materials needed:** Small planter, soil, apple seeds, hand shovles and water




 * __Lesson 4__**


 * Title of lesson:** "Felt board apples"


 * Description of lesson:** In this lesson we will work on our counting skills through felt apples. A flannel board will have many different colored apples some green, yellow and red apples placed all around the board. We will first count aloud the number of apples on the board. We will then add numerals to the board. The students will take turns pointing to a number on the board and placing that many apples with that number.


 * Assignment:** As homework each student bring in 2 apples to share/eat with the class before the next class lesson


 * Resources/materials needed:** Felt numerals, felt apples, flannel board and real apples


 * __Lesson 5__**


 * Title of lesson:** "Circle time with our apples"


 * Description of lesson:** Now that each student has their two apples brought from homework we will have circle time to reflect what we have gone over for the week in counting lessons. We will review each of the four previous lessons. I will ask random students to help us remember what we have learned before moving on to the next week lesson plans. The students may eat their apples during circle time.


 * Assignment:** As homework each student write a reflection of their favorite counting lesson for the week.


 * Resources/materials needed:** Apples


 * __Lesson 6__**


 * Title of lesson:** "Apple Seed Dice"


 * Description of lesson:** Working in a small groups at tables, students will take turn rolling the dice. Each table will have cut out apple seeds in the center of the table.They will then count the correct number of apple seeds that have been cut out of construction paper to match what number they rolled on the dice.


 * Assignment :** As a group students will come up with another counting game to play another day.


 * Resources/materials needed:** Brown construction paper- cut into apple seed shapes and sets of dice


 * __Lesson 7__**


 * Title of lesson:** "Counting with trees"


 * Description of lesson:** In this lesson we will be making our own trees as a group. I will provide a template of a tree for the students to cut out. We will then make apples out of construction paper to add to our trees. Each group will pick a number they want to use for the tree. This number will be used for how many apples they have on their trees as well as writing the selected number on the trunk of the tree to identify how many apples they have. This same number will be written on the back of the tree so we know what the correct number chosen.


 * Assignment:** As homework, students will make their own tree representing the ones we used in class. They will choose a number of their choice to make that many apples on the tree and the same number written on the back of the tree so we know what the correct number is you choose.


 * Resources/materials needed:** Template of tree (provided) and construction paper and markers

media type="custom" key="3655781"

This cartoon represents what I would like my tree to look like, and the person in the middle is me!

I would like all of you to make your own cartoon piece showing what you would like your trees to look like and who beisdes you helped you. Each student will complete one cartoon slide to add to your assignment in making trees for Johnny appleseed. Please visit this website [|www.toondoo.com]. You can design your slide to fit your particular needs. This is FUN, so use your imagination!

This web 2.0 tool for cartoon amking supports the lesson of tree making by giving the students an alternative visual to choosing trees and what they want them to look like as well as creating a picture of themselves with out drawing any of them, but instead using their imagination!


 * __Lesson 8__**


 * Title of lesson:** "Lets make flash cards"


 * Description of lesson:** Students will work independtly making a set of 5 flash cards. The students will choose a varity of addition and subtraction problems on each card. Each flash card will include a picture of the addition or subtraction problem using a diagram of apples. For example if your problem was 2 + 2 = 4 then you could draw 2 apples + 2 apples = 4 apples.


 * Assignment:** In class each student will make a set of 5 flash cards with a addition or subtraction problem. The flash cards will also include a picture diagram of the addition or subtraction problem using apples.


 * Resources/materials needed:** Index cards and markers

[|Flash Cards]

Students, please take some time by going to the link provided above for practice on addition flash cards. This link will also show you what some flash cards may look like. Remember, we will be making our own flash cards. You may use these flash cards as examples to make your own. You can choose TWO ways to make your flash cards. By going to this link after practing, you may create a new account (it's free) login and begin populating your flash cards. OR you may decided to create hand made flash cards. I encourage you to at least try the link to make your own! It is very effective and FUN!

This lesson taught by making your own flash cards is effective to technology learning by hands on. The students get to get into a link a completely create their own creative style of flash cards. This inhances learning by thinking about what they want to create and applying it in a different way other than just paper.


 * __Lesson 9__**


 * Title of lesson:** "Apple dollors and coins"


 * Description of lesson:** Using cut out shapes of apples to represent dollors and coins, we will learn how to count money. Students will get into groups of four. Each group will get 2 envelopes. One with Apple dollors and another with apple coins. The groups will then count different sets of money according to what is instructed from the power point presentation I give.


 * Assignment:** At home students will come up with a coin couting activity to share with the class.


 * Resources/materials needed:** cut out paper apples (used for dollors and coins), power point presentation

[| Basic Word.doc]


 * __Lesson 10__**


 * Title of lesson:** "Hot Apples"


 * Description of lesson:** Let's cook! In our final lesson students will get an introduction into solving math problems by learning how to count out ingredients for cooking. As a class we will all help make hot cinnamon apples. Each student will contribute in the process of measuring and counting everything we may need to make this yummy treat.


 * Assignment:** Try some additional cooking at home. Parents please help your child pick out a favorite family recipe that they can help count out ingredients. Provide a copy of the recipe and send it with your child. Each student will need to come ready to present their new recipe to the class as well their favorite method that helped them the most learn how to count.


 * Resources/materials needed:** Apples, ingredients, crock pot, cooking utensils and aprons