As special education teachers, we know the importance of hitting essential math standards without overwhelming our students. That’s why I’m sharing a simple, engaging video-based learning routine called “Number of the Day.” This routine can help students master a variety of math standards with just a few minutes of daily practice.
What is the ‘Number of the Day’ Routine?
“Number of the Day” is a guided practice routine where students follow along with a video (see some examples at the bottom of this post) that presents a number in different ways. The routine is designed to be done quickly, making it a perfect warm-up activity or a part of your morning math routine. Students engage in drawing and writing to solidify their understanding.
How It Works:
Each day, the video introduces a number and students:
- Spell the number.
- Draw it with tallies (e.g., 5 stars for the number 5).
- Name or write the number before and after the number of the day.
- Draw it on a ten-frame.
- Represent the number with base ten blocks.
- Represent the number with a rekenrek.
- Identify whether the number is odd or even and why.
9 Standards Covered:
By following this simple routine shown in the videos below, you’ll easily cover multiple math standards each day. Here’s a breakdown of the 9 key standards you can hit in 3 minutes:
DYNAMIC LEARNING MAPS
M.EE.1.NBT.4 Compose numbers less than or equal to five in more than one way.
M.EE.1.OA.5.a Use manipulatives or visual representations to indicate the number that results when adding one more.
M.EE.1.OA.5.b Apply knowledge of “one less” to subtract one from a number.
M.EE.2.NBT.1 Represent numbers up to 30 with sets of tens and ones using objects in columns or arrays.
M.EE.2.NBT.3 Identify numerals 1 to 30.
M.EE.2.NBT.5.b Using concrete examples, compose and decompose numbers up to 10 in more than one way.
M.EE.3.NBT.1 Use decade numbers (10, 20, 30) as benchmarks to demonstrate understanding of place value for numbers 0-30.
M.EE.3.NBT.2 Demonstrate understanding of place value to tens.
M.EE.3.NBT.3 Count by tens using models such as objects, base ten blocks, or money.
Modifications
The skills in these videos can easily by modified for students with more support needs. Students can imitate the representations with base ten blocks a rekenrek, etc., instead of needing to draw their own. Imitation is a very important prerequisite to other math skills.
See some of the videos here!
Other Useful Resources for Number of the Day
For standards that address the concepts “one more” and “one less,” students also just need some repetitive practice. A great way to get that in is through Boom cards.
If you’re not familiar with Boom Cards, check this post out.
I’ve got some very simple add one, subtract one Boom cards that can help your students get the practice they need.
