Unit Plan 11 (PreK Math): Decompose to 5

Focus: Explore ways to break numbers apart within 5 (e.g., 4 = 1 and 3 or 2 and 2) using counters, cubes, and five-frames; say the whole and the parts.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Mathematics (Operations in Play)

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

I. Introduction

Children learn that a number can be made in more than one way. Through quick build–break activities, they show a whole set and split it into parts, then retell “__ is __ and __.” Five-frames and part–part–whole mats help them see and check the parts clearly.

Essential Questions

• How can I take a number apart into two parts?
• Which tools (counters, cubes, five-frame) help me show different ways?
• How do I tell the whole and the parts in my own words?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Build small sets (0–5) and decompose them into two parts.
2. Show different decompositions of the same whole using tools (counters, cubes, five-frame).
3. Name the whole and parts (“4 is 1 and 3,” “4 is 2 and 2”).
4. Create a simple “Ways to Make __” card and explain it to peers.

Standards Alignment — Custom CCSS-style Pre-Kindergarten

• PK.OA.3 — Decompose numbers to 5 in more than one way. Breaks small numbers into parts using manipulatives. Example: “4 is 1 and 3… or 2 and 2.” (Aligns to: K.OA.3 subset)
• (Supportive) MP.1, MP.4, MP.6 — Try and make sense; model with tools; use clear language.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can take apart a number in more than one way.
• I can show the whole and the parts with tools or drawings.
• I can say my decomposition clearly (“__ is __ and __”) and check it on a five-frame.