# T4T Yellow and Red Birds

Lesson excerpt:

NC Mathematics Standards:

Represent and solve problems.

NC.1.OA.1 Represent and solve addition and subtraction word problems, within 20, with unknowns, by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem, when solving:

• Compare-Difference Unknown

Standards for Mathematical Practice:

1.      Make sense and persevere while solving problems in mathematics.

2.      Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

4.  Model with mathematics.

Student Outcomes:

●     I can work with classmates to choose a strategy to solving a math problem.

●     I can persevere while solving a math problem.

●     I can explain to my teacher and classmates how I solved a math problem.

Math Language:

●     Join, Part, Total

Materials:

●     Gather materials.

Launch:

1. Ask students What does it mean to persevere?  Explain to students that persevering means that you keep working and trying to accomplish a task even when it is hard. Give examples if needed, such as The Little Engine that Could, or other relatable stories.

Explore:

2.      Give the students the task There are 10 birds. Some are yellow and some are red. How many of each could there be? We want to find as many combinations of yellow and red birds as we can.

Give students access to multi-link (pop) cubes or two-color counters if they choose to use them. Also consider giving them a part-part-whole mat or ten frame that is attached.

Ask the class to think for a second about the problem. Reread it if needed. Then have students retell the problem to you in their own words.

As students begin working on the task with partners or in small groups observe how they start and support them by asking questions.

Discuss:

• Bring the students back together to discuss their strategies and solutions. As you record the solutions consider using a 2 column table. An example is below.

The teacher could have the class also explore a number less than 10 as a follow-up task or proceed to the additional activities (centers) described below.

Finish the discussion by sharing:  In this task you had to persevere and keep trying since our task had many possible answers. In math we always want to try to persevere and work hard because that will make us a better mathematician.