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Grade PreK Math Units

Unit Plan 31 (PreK Math): Decompose & Make 5

Explore different part–whole combinations that make 5 using counters, fingers, and frames; decompose and compose numbers within 5 and describe parts and the whole.

Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

• 5 min read
Unit Plan 31 (PreK Math): Decompose & Make 5

Focus: Explore decomposing numbers to 5 and making 5 in multiple ways using manipulatives, ten-frames (top row), five-frames, and fingers; talk about parts and the whole.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Mathematics (Operations—Decompose/Compose within 5)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Children investigate all the ways to make 5. They build sets on ten-frames (top row) and five-frames, use fingers and counters to show parts, and describe how parts join to make the whole. Experiences stay concrete and language-rich—no symbols required.

Essential Questions

  • How can I show different parts that make the whole 5?
  • What does it mean to decompose and compose a number?
  • How do ten-frames and five-frames help me keep track and avoid double-counting?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

  1. Decompose numbers from 0–5 into two parts using counters, fingers, and frames.
  2. Make 5 in multiple ways and tell the parts and the whole.
  3. Use ten-frames (top row) and five-frames to organize counting and see missing parts.
  4. Use clear math language (part, whole, make 5, how many more) to explain actions.

Standards Alignment — Custom CCSS-style Pre-Kindergarten

  • PK.OA.3 — Decompose numbers to 5 in more than one way. Description: Breaks small numbers into parts using manipulatives. Example: “4 is 1 and 3… or 2 and 2.” Aligns to: K.OA.3 (subset).
  • PK.OA.4 — Make 5. Description: Finds the part needed to make 5 using five-frames/fingers. Example: Sees 4 in a five-frame and adds 1 to make 5. Aligns to: K.OA.4 (scaled to 5).
  • Mathematical Practices: MP.1–MP.6 threaded (perseverance; modeling with tools; precision; structure/regularity).

Success Criteria — Student Language

  • I can show parts that make 5 in more than one way.
  • I can tell the parts and the whole after I build a set.
  • I can use a ten-frame/five-frame to see the missing part to make 5.
  • I can switch quickly between different pairs that make 5.