Grade K: Counting with Friends
Rating: 
Common Core Standards
Content Standards
K.NBT.1
K.CC.3, K.CC.4a, K.CC.5, K.CC.6, K.CC.7
Standards for Mathematical Practice
MP.1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
MP.3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
MP.4 Model with mathematics.
MP.6 Attend to precision.
MP.5 Use appropriate tools strategically.
MP.7 Look for and make use of structure.
MP.8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Description of Unit
The unit “Counting with Friends” from Georgia centers on counting and cardinality and builds the foundational knowledge needed to work in base ten. Students are guided to develop their own ideas about quantities. Allows for student-invented strategies while also providing teachers with a coherent set of strategies for students to work with number relationships. There are many “hands-on” opportunities to develop skills and fluency in counting, and numerical reasoning.
Cautions
Connecticut teachers should be aware that the application of math concepts is limited to game based activities. Standards of Mathematical practice are listed, but the specific practice standards are not identified for focus in each lesson. Differentiation and supports for English language learners are not provided. The use of technology or media is not included. Some lessons provide limited differentiation for struggling learners. Assessment rubrics, answer keys, or student work samples are not provided.
Rationale for Selection
Key Areas of Focus: The unit is based major work identified for kindergarten in the CCSS. All lessons stay focused on the standards and contain clear objectives. The activities support the standards for mathematical practice. Focus is on student-centered strategies and teacher provided strategies.
Instructional Quality: There are research based strategies articulated related to development of student understanding (i.e., concrete, representational, abstract). Suggestions for grouping strategies are provided.
Assessment: Formative assessment questions are embedded within each lesson.