There is so much to think about when teaching math to first graders. Of course, we need to begin with a review of kindergarten skills. Then we head in to introducing the new skills and standards that we need to cover. When mapping out our lessons for the quarter, semester, or even the year we have to be sure we are meeting all of the standards in a fun and relatable way. I like to do this by integrating the seasons and holidays throughout the year. Let's dive right it and talk about year long seasonal math practice for first graders.
When I'm planning I like to think about the big picture first, and then I narrow it down to each skill and topic. This can be overwhelming at first. To help narrow this down and be sure I am covering everything that I need, I created a Mega Math Practice resource. It is the perfect year-long seasonal math practice for first graders.
What is Mega Math Practice?
- Numbers and Base Ten
- Operations and Algebraic Thinking
- Geometry
- Measurement and Data
It includes print and digital resources and activities to keep your students learning all year long. All 430 pages are completely adaptable and can be used in a variety of different ways both in and out of the classroom. I love to use them for guided practice, independent practice, math centers, homework, and small group work. They also work well for hybrid and virtual learning situations.
How to Teach Using Mega Math Practice
After years of putting pieces of different curriculums together and searching for the perfect materials and activities for math class, I was discouraged. I couldn't find everything I needed in one place and I was spending way too much time and effort looking for it. So, I created Mega Math Practice which I now use as my go-to math curriculum. I combine it with my Number of the Day resource that I use for daily warmups. Using these two resources allows me to provide a solid math block full of intentional instructional time.
After many years of trial and error, I have finally found a schedule that works best for my class and me. Here's what my daily math block looks like:
- Number of the Day: 7-10 Minutes
- Mini-Lesson: 5-7 Minutes
- Guided Practice: 5-7 Minutes
- Guided Independent Practice: 10-15 Minute Intervals
- Small-Group Work: Time Varies
Your math block may look similar to mine or completely different! That's totally fine! The key is to find the best routine that works for you and your class and go with it. It might be using an independent practice review activity as morning work, or integrating adding guided practice to your small group instruction time. I promise, it's not a magic formula! And since classrooms and schedules can vary so much you have to make it work for you.
Mega Math Practice contains a year's worth of skills-based activities that you can use to fill your daily lessons. So you won't need to spend hours piecing together the curriculum or searching for that perfect activity. Everything is here for you!
Year Long Seasonal Math Practice
Instead of spending time figuring out how to make my lessons relate to the seasons and holidays, I created a resource that was built around these things! Enter my Seasonal Units Bundle that includes year-long seasonal math practice for first graders. This bundle will give your students tons of practice in all areas of the standards with added seasonal themes.
With the same skills-based focus as the non-seasonal Mega Math Practice, the seasonal bundle provides students with a variety of practice opportunities that can be used all year long. Instead of fighting against the excitement students have for a holiday or season, use it to engage them in the classroom.
The Mega Math Practice Seasonal Bundle includes 15 seasonal units to take you from Back to School all the way to the end of the school year. Here are just some examples of the seasons and holidays you get in this jam-packed bundle:- Back to School
- Thanksgiving
- Holiday
- Winter
- New Year
- Valentine
- And so many more!
Incorporating Seasonal Mega Math Practice into your daily math block will make all the difference in the world. You can be assured that you are covering all of the skills and standards while your students are fully engaged and having fun. They will be looking forward to celebrating the next season or holiday. I can't wait to hear about how you implement this bundle in your classroom.
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