Probability | Substitute Teacher
Students explore the idea of probability through simple, playful health-related choices and predictions. Using pictures, movement, and class voting, they practice noticing what is likely, unlikely, and certain in everyday healthy habits.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| healthy | Good for our bodies and helps us grow strong. |
| choice | Something we decide to do or pick. |
| certain | We know it will happen for sure. |
| likely | It will probably happen. |
| unlikely | It probably will not happen. |
Greet students, review classroom rules, and introduce the lesson with a simple question: 'How do we make healthy choices?' Show a few picture cards and name them together.
Listen, answer questions, and help name the pictures.
Explain that probability means guessing what is most likely to happen. Use very simple examples: 'If I choose from three apple cards and one candy card, what am I likely to pick?' Keep language concrete and visual.
Look at the cards, point to answers, and repeat words like likely and unlikely.
Place picture cards face up. Invite students to take turns choosing a card and placing it in the Healthy or Not Healthy basket/hoop. Ask them to say why in one short phrase.
Sort pictures, say simple reasons, and watch classmates take turns.
Show a small set of cards or objects, such as 4 water cups and 1 soda. Ask, 'What are you likely to pick?' Let students predict by raising hands or placing a counter on a class chart.
Make a prediction, vote, and count the items with help.
Call out statements such as 'Everyone can wash hands,' 'Most students like to drink water,' or 'One student will wear a blue shirt today.' Students act out: stomp for certain, clap for likely, and tiptoe for unlikely.
Move, listen, and match the action to the probability word.
Give paper and crayons. Ask students to draw one healthy choice and one word: certain, likely, or unlikely. Circulate and support as needed.
Draw, label with help, and share their picture with a partner or the group.
Review the key words and ask quick oral questions: 'Which choice is healthy?' 'What does likely mean?' End with praise and a short summary.
Respond to questions and restate one new word.
End with a quick circle review: students name one healthy choice and one probability word. Teacher summarizes that we can make healthy choices and also talk about what is certain, likely, and unlikely.
Formative assessment will be based on teacher observation during sorting, predicting, movement responses, and the drawing share-out. Use a simple checklist to note whether each student can identify a healthy choice and use or recognize certain, likely, or unlikely.