First Grade Math Goals

Textbooks and experts have different opinions on exactly what constitutes first grade math goals. Our goals are similar to what many programs expect. If your child meets the following goals this year, you can feel assured that he has mastered first grade math. Throughout the year, use the following list to record your child's progress. When a goal is mastered, write the date next to it, but continue to review it all year. Occasionally refer to this chart to be sure you are not missing any goals, and plan extra activities to emphasize areas not yet mastered.

The teacher's manual contains a list of about twenty specific goals for numbers, addition and subtraction, place value, money, time, and other math concepts.

Children's picture books-what a treasure! Wouldn't it be great if we could use them to teach math skills? It would be so practical and so enjoyable! With that thought in mind, we have compiled the following list of books. Plan to use at least one math book each week to supplement your math lessons.

You do not need to find each book on the list-we have purposely listed a large number of books so that you have many choices. The choice is yours. If you have difficulty finding enough books from this list, you might ask your librarian for suggested books about math, and use your card catalog to search for additional books in each category.

Additional activities are already listed at the back of some of these books and this is noted in our list. For other books, we have listed simple follow-up activities. Be creative and add your own ideas! Some of the books are also easy readers that your child may be able to read with minimal help.

The teacher's manual lists more than 120 library books, each with simple follow-up activities, to teach sizes, categories, shapes, addition, subtraction, money, time, and multiplication/division readiness. Here is a sample:

Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni (Astor-Honor, 1960.) An inchworm that measures birds is almost eaten by a nightingale. Use a ruler to measure things around the house.

How Big is a Foot? By Rolf Myller (Dell, 1962.) An amusing tale of a king who gives the queen a bed, but there is a problem in measuring it. Introduces the concept of "feet." Use a ruler (one foot) or yardstick (three feet) to measure things. About how many feet long and wide is your bed? Measure the feet of your family members. Are they smaller or larger than one "foot"?

George Shrinks by William Joyce (Harper & Row, 1985.) George wakes up and finds himself shrunk to the size of a mouse. Your child might enjoy crawling on his stomach and pretending that he is very small. What can he no longer do? (Reach to open a shut door, drink from a cup, etc.)

The Biggest Fish by Sheila Keenan (Scholastic, 1996.) Hello Math Reader Level 2. The mayor's contest to find the biggest fish in Littletown is won in an unexpected way. Includes suggested activities.

Super Sand Castle Saturday by Stuart J. Murphy (Harper Collins, 1999.) MathStart Level 2. Introduces the concept of nontraditional measurement as three friends compare the size of their sand castles.

What's Up With That Cup? By Sheila Keenan (Scholastic, 2000.) Hello Reader Math Level 2. While trying to make a piggy bank, a young girl learns the importance of using standard measurements. Includes suggested activities.

Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes by Millie Katzen and Ann Henderson (Tricycle Press, 1994.) Very simple recipes that kids can really make. Two versions are included-one adult version and one with simple words and pictures. Try this as a follow-up to What's Up with That Cup?

Counting on Frank by Rod Clement (Gareth Stevens, 1991.) A boy and his dog present amusing counting, size comparison, and mathematical facts.

Room for Ripley by Stuart J. Murphy (Harper Collins, 1999.) A young boy is getting a fish bowl ready for his new pet. Introduces various units of liquid measure. Includes suggested activities.

Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy (Henry Holt and Co., 1997.) Lisa learns about measuring by measuring her dog Penny with all sorts of units, including pounds, inches, dog biscuits, and cotton swabs. If you own a dog, try some of the same calculations with it.