Grade 1 Mathematics Lesson Plan: Money Word Problems

Lesson Plan Title:

Grade 1 Mathematics Lesson Plan: Money Word Problems

Materials Needed

  • Play money (coins and notes of different denominations)
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Worksheets with money word problems
  • Real-life objects with price tags
  • Interactive board with money-related games (if available)
  • Pencils and erasers

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Identify different South African currency denominations.
2. Solve basic word problems involving money.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of simple transactions involving buying and selling.

Vocabulary

  1. Currency: The system of money in general use in a country.
  2. Denomination: The value of a particular coin or banknote.
  3. Cost: The amount of money needed to buy something.
  4. Buy: To purchase an item using money.
  5. Change: The money returned after buying something if you give more than the cost.

Previous Learning

Students have learned to identify and count numbers up to 20. They have been introduced to basic addition and subtraction using objects.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions

  • Challenge: Difficulty in recognizing different denominations of coins and notes.
  • Solution: Use real or play money for hands-on practice.
  • Challenge: Struggling to understand word problems.
  • Solution: Use visual aids and consistently relate problems to real-life scenarios.

Beginning Activities (4 minutes)

  1. Introduction (2 minutes):
  2. Display various coins and notes on the interactive board.
  3. Briefly explain the learning objectives for the lesson.
  4. Quick Review (2 minutes):
  5. Ask students to identify and name different denominations displayed.

Middle Activities (32 minutes)

  1. Direct Instruction (7 minutes):
  2. Demonstrate how to solve a money word problem on the whiteboard.
  3. Example Problem: “You have R10. You want to buy a sweet that costs R5. How much change will you get?”
  4. Walk through the steps: identifying the main numbers, setting up the problem, and solving it.
  5. Guided Practice (10 minutes):
  6. Distribute worksheets with simple money word problems.
  7. Work through the first few problems as a class, guiding students and encouraging them to think aloud.
  8. Independent Practice (15 minutes):
  9. Allow students to complete the remaining problems on their worksheets independently.
  10. Walk around the room, offering assistance and checking on progress.

End Activities (4 minutes)

  1. Exit Ticket (4 minutes):
  2. Give each student a small item (e.g., a sticker or eraser) with a price tag. Ask them to ‘buy’ the item with play money and calculate the change they should receive.
  3. Collect their answers as a quick check for understanding.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding

  • Observe students during guided and independent practice.
  • Review worksheet answers for accuracy.
  • Use exit ticket activities to evaluate individual understanding.
  • Ask specific questions to gauge comprehension during the lesson.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners

  • For struggling students: Provide additional scaffolding with visual aids and offer one-on-one support during independent practice.
  • For advanced learners: Give more complex word problems involving higher denominations or more steps.
  • For EAL learners: Use clear, simple language and incorporate visual aids for better understanding of terms and concepts.

Teaching Notes

  • Emphasize the practical, everyday use of money and simple transactions.
  • Create a positive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions.
  • Ensure all materials, including visuals and manipulatives, are accessible to students with disabilities. Provide enlarged text or tactile currency for visually impaired students.
  • Use praise and positive reinforcement to encourage active participation.

By incorporating real-life objects and scenarios, students can better relate to the practical use of money, making the learning experience more meaningful and engaging.