Apple Countdown Blog

Apple Countdown

Posted by: George Veloz

Author: Joan Holub

Illustrated by: Jan Smith

Recommended Grade Level: 1^st - 2^nd Grade

CCSSM Standards:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.A.
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.2.OA.C.3
Determine whether a group of objects (up to 20) has an odd or even number of members, e.g., by pairing objects or counting them by 2s; write an equation to express an even number as a sum of two equal addends.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP5 (Use appropriate tools strategically).

Mathematically proficient students consider the available tools when solving a mathematical problem. These tools might include pencil and paper, concrete models, a ruler, a protractor, a calculator, a spreadsheet, a computer algebra system, a statistical package, or dynamic geometry software.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4 (Model with mathematics).

Mathematically proficient students can apply the mathematics they know to solve problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace. In early grades, this might be as simple as writing an addition equation to describe a situation.

Summary:

 A diverse group of students take a field trip to an apple farm. Before the trip even started the students began their count down from the number 20. They enjoyed counting the name tags, kids that were loading the bus, and the miles. As soon as they arrived at the farm they enjoyed counting the cows, ducks, apple tree rows, the seasons, sacks of apples, pies, and the time on the clock.

Rating:

I gave this book a 5 out 5 because of the rich content it contains for young students. For instance, it’s an easy to read rhyming text that introduces the students to facts about apples. Each number is printed on the upper corner of the book and spelled out in written form, it introduces the students to simple algebra (adding and subtracting). Its vibrant colors capture your attention, and the book its related to everyday life. This book allows readers to see the fun in counting.

Classroom Ideas:

This book can be used to introduce the concept of adding, subtracting, and breaking down numbers. The book offers the students a visual representation of objects making it easier to solve or figure out what number is being mentioned in the text. In the classroom, the teacher can give the students a simple algebraic problem and distribute manipulatives to help them with reasoning by allowing them to problem solve on their own. By handing out manipulatives each number is represented by a solid object making it easier to grasp the concept of adding, subtracting, or breaking down.