Mathematical practices at K — explain thinking, use tools, model with math
Exercise
Difficulty 2
~2 min
math.gK.f.ps.math_practices.ex_01
Explain How You Know
Prompt
Show 6 in any way you want (fingers, cubes, ten-frame, drawing). Then tell me: how do you know it's 6?
M-K-F-EX-38-A
Chart
Sentence-frame chart 18"x12" placed at workstation: 'I showed ___ using ___. I know it's ___ because ___.' in 28-pt black text, with picture icons next to each blank suggesting hands, cubes, ten-frame, or drawing as fill-ins.
How it's presented
mode
open choice
manipulatives available
fingerscubesten_frame_counterspaper_and_crayon
Answer criteria
type
show plus explain
rubric
Demonstrates 6 correctly in chosen modality; verbalizes a justification ('I counted 1-2-3-4-5-6' OR 'I see top row of 5 + 1 = 6' OR 'I see two 3-fingers' etc.)
Hints
- Show it FIRST with your hands or cubes.
- Now tell me — how do you know that's 6 (not 5 or 7)?
Misconceptions to watch
- Cannot articulate beyond 'I just know.'
- Shows 5 or 7 instead of 6 (basic quantity error).
Used in lessons