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Lesson Excerpt:

Launch:

1. Introduce the word math.

·         Say: Learning about math is super important because it is all around us.  During our daily math time, we will learn about math in our world, like shapes and numbers. Say: 

Present picture slides of a classroom table (square), a slice of pizza, and a clock (circle) (Activate background knowledge). Ask students to name each item. Say: Did you know that these things we see every day can help us learn about math. 

·         Watch Sesame Street: Tyler Perry and Elmo Eat Math.  Have students look for the things Tyler does or says about math during the video. 

After the video, say: Tyler does lots of math.  Let’s talk to our partners about the things he did.  When we talk to partners, we sit “knees to knees”.  Then, we decide who shares first.  I say something, then my partner says something.  We keep taking turns until the teacher gives a signal (teacher models with a student).

·         Partners discuss the math Tyler does in the video.  Then, several students share with the whole class.  As students share, generate a “Math is…” chart (see right).  This chart may be displayed and added to throughout the school year.

2. Explain today’s task.

·         Say: Just like Tyler, we are going to find math in our world.  Tyler noticed that his chips looked like triangles.  Today, I challenge you to find items in our classroom that look like circles and rectangles.

·         Show a picture of a circle.  Show a picture of a rectangle, rotating it in different directions so students see this is a rectangle regardless of orientation.  Post both shapes on the board.  At this point, no additional descriptions of the shapes will be provided.  Properties of these shapes will emerge during the “Discuss” part of this lesson.

·         Once students find objects shaped like a circles and rectangles, they will record pictures on their Shapes in My Space recording sheets.