Mathematics and maps
First Grade
Teachers have to spend more and more time on math and reading because teacher performance reviews are influenced by student performance in these areas. The extra time in math and reading is at the expense of time in other subjects such as science and history. In recent years "the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation has resulted in declining classroom time dedicated to geography instruction" (Dorn, Douglass, & Ekiss, 2005, p. 151). As future teachers, what can we do to ensure that these seemingly deemed "lesser subjects" don't get lost in the shuffle? One answer is integration. An integrated lesson or unit incorporates objectives and standards from multiple subject areas. For example, this can allow teachers to teach science or history while meeting the standards for math and/or reading. As future teachers "it is urgent that we start a national articulation to math and reading just as soon as possible if we wish to maintain or expand geography instruction" (Dorn, Douglass, & Ekiss, 2005, p. 158).
This integrated unit will be designed for use in a first grade classroom. In kindergarten one thing that is stressed is the student learning his home address and phone number. This is important in case the child gets lost or is in need of help. This integrated unit will help to provide the student with a better understanding of cardinal directions to facilitate creating a mental map of his community.
It is important to understand maps in emergency situations. Every classroom has a map of where the fire escape is but if you do not know how to read a map it will not be the helpful tool it is meant to be.
The use of coordinates and math will help to provide a visual representation of "the world around us" in a mathematical sense. Grids will help to build counting skill, by looking for objects and determining distances between objects. The student will need to understand the relationship between the boxes on the grid and the numbers that label them.
In this unit the student will learn about various aspects of maps. There will be four individual lessons that focus on the compass, map legends, coordinates, and scale. Understanding cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) and how to read a map will prepare the student as his world expands. As he gets older and moves on to the middle school and high school, this unit will help him prepare a mental framework of his community now, while it is still small.
This integrated unit will be designed for use in a first grade classroom. In kindergarten one thing that is stressed is the student learning his home address and phone number. This is important in case the child gets lost or is in need of help. This integrated unit will help to provide the student with a better understanding of cardinal directions to facilitate creating a mental map of his community.
It is important to understand maps in emergency situations. Every classroom has a map of where the fire escape is but if you do not know how to read a map it will not be the helpful tool it is meant to be.
The use of coordinates and math will help to provide a visual representation of "the world around us" in a mathematical sense. Grids will help to build counting skill, by looking for objects and determining distances between objects. The student will need to understand the relationship between the boxes on the grid and the numbers that label them.
In this unit the student will learn about various aspects of maps. There will be four individual lessons that focus on the compass, map legends, coordinates, and scale. Understanding cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) and how to read a map will prepare the student as his world expands. As he gets older and moves on to the middle school and high school, this unit will help him prepare a mental framework of his community now, while it is still small.