Learning Objectives

• Recall basic counting principles and use them accurately in simple problems.
• Organize counting situations using tables, lists, and tree diagrams.
• Apply multiplication as a counting strategy in straightforward contexts.
• Check answers for reasonableness and completeness.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Student notebooks or paper
• Pencils
• Mini whiteboards or scrap paper
• Short review handout or teacher-prepared practice questions
• Exit ticket

Support

• Provide partially completed tables or tree diagrams for students who need extra structure.
• Allow students to use calculators only if the counting task includes simple multiplication and local policy allows it.
• Pair students strategically for partner checking during the warm-up.
• Use fewer choices and smaller numbers in practice questions for learners who need reduced difficulty.

Challenge

• Ask advanced students to explain why two different counting methods give the same answer.
• Include one multi-step counting problem that requires choosing between strategies.
• Have students create their own very easy counting question and swap it with a partner.

Checks for Understanding

• Monitor responses during warm-up and guided practice for correct strategy use.
• Ask students to justify whether they used a list, tree diagram, or multiplication.
• Use the exit ticket to confirm each student can solve at least one counting problem independently.

Closure

End by reviewing the three main counting strategies and asking students to name one situation where each is useful. Reinforce that careful organization helps prevent missing or repeating options.