Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to practice basic arithmetic skills using Legos.

Materials and Prep

• Legos (various sizes and colors)
• Pen or pencil
• Plain paper or notebook

No prior knowledge or preparation is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Counting and Sorting:

   Start by counting the total number of Legos you have. Write down the number. Then, sort the Legos by color or size into different groups. Count how many Legos are in each group and write down the numbers. Finally, add up the numbers from each group to find the total number of Legos again. Compare it with the initial count. Did it change?

2. Building with Addition and Subtraction:

   Choose two different colored Legos. Start with a certain number of one color Lego and add or subtract some of the other color Lego. Write down the starting number and the number of added or subtracted Legos. Then, build a tower using the Legos according to the written numbers. For example, if you start with 5 blue Legos and add 3 yellow Legos, build a tower with 8 Legos. Try different combinations and see how the towers change.

3. Pattern Creation:

   Create a simple pattern using Legos. For example, build a tower with a blue Lego, then a red Lego, then a blue Lego, and so on. Repeat the pattern a few times. Count how many Legos are needed for each repetition of the pattern. Write down the numbers and try to predict how many Legos will be needed for a certain number of repetitions. Test your prediction by building the pattern.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Mathematics is all around us, even when we play with Legos!"
• "Counting is important in math. We can count the total number of Legos we have and the number of Legos in each group."
• "Addition means combining things together. We can add Legos to build a bigger tower."
• "Subtraction means taking away. We can subtract Legos to make a smaller tower."
• "Patterns are fun to make and help us learn about numbers. We can create patterns using different colored Legos."
• "By practicing math with Legos, we can become better at counting, adding, subtracting, and recognizing patterns!"