Adding with M&M’s

Grade Level: First Grade Subject: Mathematics Prepared By: Jen Kessel

Overview & Purpose Education Standards Addressed

Mathematics: Addition
Students will understand how to develop and perform addition problems. Students will be able
to complete a sequence game by counting and adding to twenty. The student will then be able
to formulate and solve addition problems to the number twenty by utilizing M&M’s.
§111.3. Mathematics, Grade 1.3.B
-The student applies mathematical process standards to develop and use strategies for
whole number addition and subtraction computations in order to solve problems. The student
is expected to: use objects and pictorial models to solve word problems involving joining,
separating, and comparing sets within 20 and unknowns as any one of the terms in the
problem such as 2 + 4 = [ ]; 3 + [ ] = 7; and 5 = [ ] – 3.
§111.3. Mathematics, Grade 1.5.D
-The student applies mathematical process standards to identify and apply number patterns
within properties of numbers and operations in order to describe relationships. The student is
expected to: represent word problems involving addition and subtraction of whole numbers
up to 20 using concrete and pictorial models and number sentences.

Lesson Details
Objectives Students will be able to show addition problems using M&M’s as Materials Needed
(Specify skills/information that will be objects. • Paper
learned.)
• Pencil
• Markers
Information Teaching Demonstration: First Grade mathematics lessons taught to • Easel
(Give and/or demonstrate necessary adult students. • M&M’s
information) • Plastic bags for M&M’s
• Stuffed animal
Verification • Ask students to answer the questions what it means to add and what sum Other Resources
(Steps to check for student understanding) means to engage in group discussion. (e.g. Web, books, etc.)
• Ask students relevant questions about the book. • The M&M’s Addition Book by
• Ask students to count to twenty as a group for the activities that follow.
• Ask students to create three addition sentences using the M&M’s.
Barbara Barbieri McGarth
• Close with “Exit Ticket”

Activity Students will demonstrate by creating multiple addition sentences

(Describe the independent activity to reinforce utilizing M&M’s.
this lesson)

Summary The students will have learned how to solve simple addition problems Additional Notes
by actively participating in a guided lesson. Demonstrate
understanding by formulating addition sentences using the M&M’s
and expanding their knowledge by actively participating.