The central focus of my first grade mathematics learning segment revolves around an introduction to and understanding of place value with two-digit numbers up to 40; additionally, students are exposed to decomposing these two digit numbers up to 40 into groups of tens and ones. Within the Eureka Math curriculum that is used for my learning segment, students engage with the concept of place value through a variety of methods. They identify groups of tens and ones from illustrations of objects (i.e. apples, beads, crayons) or base-ten blocks. To deepen their learning about place value, students are also expected to express two-digit numbers in written statements, number bonds, and place value charts. Later in the year, students will add and subtract two-digit numbers above 20. The Eureka Math curriculum emphasizes decomposition of large numbers into ‘friendlier’ terms …show more content…
Base-ten knowledge and associated skills students gain in Eureka Lessons 2 through 4 (included in this learning segment) are crucial to how numbers can be decomposed, grouped, and divided evenly; this sets the stage for understanding two-digit, and later, three or more digit numbers as values with meaning beyond mere single-digits sitting side-by-side. Additionally, students will eventually need to know how to appropriately add and subtract multiple-digit numbers with the standard algorithm--which requires aligning addends and/or subtrahends according to place value. On a larger scale, place value is essential when students approach concepts of money and decimals which are incredibly practical, real-world applications students will encounter as they grow. Essentially, the central focus of this lesson segment also marks a pivotal moment in first grade mathematics, as one-to-one correspondence strategies are no longer practical means of dealing with