LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Count and Eat the M&M's

The student will participate in a pre-math activity using the computer. The child will learn to count objects from 0-10 unassisted on the computer. Thus, each child will be rewarded with a special snack time. They will count M&M's from 0 to 10 and eat them as an incentive and a reward.

A lesson plan for grade K Mathematics

By Frank Lowdermilk

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

  • learn to count objects 0 to 10 using the computer.
  • learn the value of the numbers 0 to 10.
  • learn that the computer knowledge they gain will benefit them at snack time each day.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

1:00 hours

Materials/resources

  • Number Cards 0-10
  • Unifix cubes
  • Computer
  • A clear plastic jar
  • A bag of M&M’s
  • Large M&M poster
  • Plastic trays

Technology resources

Animated Math Program, Flix Software Company

Pre-activities

Students should:

  • learn to count from 0 to 10.
  • learn the value of each number by counting out unifix cubes.
  • receive practice in the classroom and the computer lab using the Animated Math software.
  • learn about the M&M Club poster.
  • watch the teacher and assistant role play using the computer, counting M&M’s and eating M&M’s.
  • eat M&M’s to encourage them to participate in this activity.

Activities

  1. The M&M Club will be described to the whole classroom.
  2. One M&M will be given to each child to make the goal of learning to count more desirable.
  3. The students will practice saying their numbers using number cards 0 to 10.
  4. The students will then practice counting unifix cubes and matching the total with the correct number cards.
  5. The students will then practice using the Animated Math software on the computer.
  6. During our snack time students who were succesful in the Animated Math program will get to count out M&M’s up to 10 on a plastic tray.
  7. If they are correct they will get to eat their M&M’s.
  8. Their name will then be put on the M&M Club poster.

Assessment

  • The students will be able to count from 0-10.
  • The students will be able to identify numbers as the teacher shows them the numbers in random order.
  • Using random order the students will be able to count out unifix cubes to match each of the numbers.

Supplemental information

The use of a digital camera to record the students progress and success would be a grest asset.

Related websites

M&M’s Network http://www.m-ms.com/

Comments

I received a computer grant and used M&M’s and a recipe that the children would learn by and enjoy. As a result this lesson plan was a great success. The children learned to count and enjoyed the candy.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Kindergarten

  • Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will recognize, model, and write whole numbers through 30.
    • Objective 1.01: Develop number sense for whole numbers through 30.
      • Connect model, number word (orally), and number, using a variety of representations.
      • Count objects in a set.
      • Read and write numerals.
      • Compare and order sets and numbers.
      • Use ordinals (1st-10th).
      • Estimate quantities fewer than or equal to 10.
      • Recognize equivalence in sets and numbers 1-10.