Algebra | Substitute Teacher
This substitute-friendly Grade 1 lesson uses simple math-like thinking to support health learning. Students will sort, compare, and create patterns using pictures related to healthy habits, body care, and classroom wellness. The lesson is hands-on, low-prep, and easy to follow for 120 minutes.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| sort | to put items into groups that are alike |
| pattern | a repeated order or design |
| same | matching or alike |
| different | not the same |
| healthy | good for your body |
| choice | something you decide to do |
Greet students, share the lesson goal in simple language, and explain that they will use sorting and patterns to learn about healthy habits. Review classroom expectations and model how to listen, raise a hand, and work quietly.
Listen, respond to questions, and show ready bodies for learning.
Show 6 to 8 pictures or words related to health, such as brushing teeth, washing hands, drinking water, sleeping, running, and eating candy all day. Ask students to thumbs up for healthy and thumbs down for not healthy. Briefly discuss answers.
Use thumbs up/down, name healthy choices, and explain simple reasons.
Model how to sort health pictures into groups, such as food, exercise, and hygiene. Think aloud while placing cards into categories. Emphasize words like same, different, and sort.
Watch, answer questions, and help identify where a picture should go.
Give pairs a small set of health cards or picture strips. Ask students to sort the cards in at least two ways, such as by action, by body care, or by indoor/outdoor activity. Circulate and support.
Work with a partner to sort cards and explain their thinking.
Lead a quick movement break with simple actions: march in place, stretch, touch toes, and pretend to brush teeth or wash hands. Keep it brief and upbeat.
Stand, move safely, and follow directions.
Demonstrate a simple AB pattern using colors or health images, such as apple, banana, apple, banana or brush teeth, wash hands, brush teeth, wash hands. Ask students to predict what comes next.
Say the next item in the pattern and notice how it repeats.
Students create one or two pattern strips using crayons, cutouts, or drawn pictures. Encourage AB or AAB patterns. Offer sentence frames: 'My pattern is __, __, __.'
Create a pattern strip and name the repeating order.
Provide a simple follow-up task: match picture cards to categories on the board or complete a cut-and-paste sort sheet. Check in with each group.
Complete the matching or sorting task and ask for help when needed.
Invite a few students to share a sort or pattern. Review vocabulary and ask quick oral questions: What does sort mean? What is a pattern? What is one healthy choice?
Share work, answer review questions, and listen respectfully.
Close by reminding students that healthy choices help their bodies grow and feel strong. Ask everyone to name one healthy choice they can do today.
Ask students to tell a family member one healthy choice they learned about and to draw a picture of themselves doing it.