Unit Plan 35 (Grade 1 Math): End-of-Year Fluency Challenge
Boost fact fluency within 20 and counting to 120 through strategy-based math games—make 10, doubles, near doubles, and count on/back—while building speed, accuracy, and pattern recognition.
Focus: Game-based fluency across addition, subtraction, and counting to 120 using make 10, doubles/near doubles, count on/back, and decompose/recompose strategies; emphasize structure (MP.7) and regularity (MP.8).
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Mathematics (Operations & Algebraic Thinking • Number & Operations in Base Ten)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students power up year-end skills through stations and games that target fact fluency within 20 and flexible counting to 120 from any number. Daily goal-setting (“beat your best”) and quick reflections keep attention on accuracy, efficiency, and strategy choice.
Essential Questions
- Which strategy helps me solve an addition or subtraction fact quickly and accurately?
- How can I count to 120 from any number without losing track?
- How do patterns and structure in numbers make me faster and more confident?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate fluency for addition/subtraction within 20, explaining which strategy they used (e.g., make 10, doubles/near doubles, count on/back, decompose/recompose).
- Count to 120 starting at any number; read, write, and represent sequences on number lines and 100/120 charts.
- Select models (ten frames, number bonds, number lines) that match a problem and justify the choice.
- Track growth with “beat your best” graphs and reflect on accuracy vs. speed.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1 (threaded across the unit)
- 1.OA.6: Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10; use strategies such as counting on, making ten, decomposing, and doubles.
- 1.NBT.1: Count to 120, starting at any number < 120; read and write numerals; represent sets with objects.
- Mathematical Practices: MP.7 (look for and use structure), MP.8 (look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning); MP.6 (precision) threaded.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can solve facts within 20 using a named strategy and explain why it works.
- I can count to 120 from any number and show my sequence on a number line or chart.
- I can track my accuracy and improve my time without rushing or guessing.