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Grade 1 Math Units

Unit Plan 36 (Grade 1 Math): Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition

Capstone week for Grade 1 math: solve mixed OA, NBT, MD, and G tasks; choose efficient strategies; present clear models, units, and explanations.

Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

• 5 min read
Unit Plan 36 (Grade 1 Math): Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition

Focus: Show what you know: mixed problems, math journals, and presentations connecting all strands (OA, NBT, MD, G); students plan, solve, and defend strategies using clear models, units, and explanations.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Mathematics (Comprehensive Spiral)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This capstone week invites students to integrate the year’s learning across operations, place value, measurement/data, and geometry. Learners tackle multi-part, real-world tasks; choose efficient strategies; and present solution boards with models and narratives from their math journals.

Essential Questions

  • How do I choose and explain an efficient strategy for a new problem?
  • What counts as evidence when I defend my mathematical decision?
  • How do representations (drawings, number lines, ten frames, charts, shape models) make my thinking clear?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

  1. Solve mixed problems that require combining skills from 1.OA, 1.NBT, 1.MD, and 1.G, explaining choices.
  2. Use multiple representations (drawings, manipulatives, number lines, tables/graphs, shape models) to support claims.
  3. Communicate with precision: correct symbols, units/labels, and reasonableness checks.
  4. Present solutions and respond to questions using math vocabulary and journal evidence.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1 (spiral across the unit)

  • 1.OA: Represent/solve addition & subtraction; fact strategies; true/false equations.
  • 1.NBT: Count to 120; tens/ones; add/sub within 100 (no regrouping).
  • 1.MD: Compare/measure lengths; time to hour/half-hour; data (categorize/graph).
  • 1.G: Identify/compose shapes; partition into halves/fourths.
  • Mathematical Practices (MP.1–MP.8) threaded throughout.

Success Criteria — Student Language

  • I can plan, solve, and explain a multi-step task using pictures, numbers, and words.
  • I can pick a model that fits the problem and label it clearly.
  • I can present my thinking and answer questions using math vocabulary and evidence.