Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand and apply basic algebraic concepts in a fun and engaging way while exploring the story of "We're Going On A Pumpkin Hunt".

Materials and Prep

• Copy of the book "We're Going On A Pumpkin Hunt"
• Paper and pencils
• Colorful markers or crayons
• Scissors

Prior knowledge required: Basic counting and number recognition skills.

Activities

1. Read the book "We're Going On A Pumpkin Hunt" together.

   Discuss the different places the characters visit and the number of pumpkins they find at each location.

2. Draw a simple map on a piece of paper, representing the different locations mentioned in the story.

   Label each location with a number, starting from 1.

3. Using colorful markers or crayons, draw pumpkins on separate pieces of paper and cut them out.

   Assign a number to each pumpkin, starting from 1, and write the corresponding number on the back of the pumpkin.

4. Hide the pumpkin cutouts around the room or in a designated play area.

   Explain to your child that they need to find the pumpkins and place them on the corresponding numbered location on the map.

5. Once all the pumpkins are found and placed on the map, count the total number of pumpkins collected.

   Ask your child to write an algebraic equation using the variable "p" to represent the total number of pumpkins.

   For example: p = 3 + 2 + 4 + 1

First Grade Talking Points

• "In the story, the characters go on a pumpkin hunt and find pumpkins in different places."
• "We can draw a map to show where the characters found the pumpkins."
• "We will hide some paper pumpkins and find them to put on the map."
• "After finding all the pumpkins, we will count how many we found."
• "We can write an equation to show the total number of pumpkins using a special letter called a variable."