[JanaB]

Any thoughts in regards to my post of March 8, 2018?

[JanaB]

Using the following example story situation:

Tim had 12 pennies. He gave 4 pennies to Sam. How many pennies does Tim have now?

If a student thinks of adding up to answer the question and writes 4+8=12, should the student be required to write an equation to match the story, 12-4=8? In 1st grade, students are expected to write an equation with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. If they think of adding up, can write an equation to show their thinking, and be able to tell you what each number represents, is there a need for them to write the subtraction equation that matches the story situation?

From the Progressions, it’s my understanding that we want students to move away from writing situational equations to writing solution equations. That would make sense because the standards set the expectation of using the relationship between addition and subtraction in problem solving. Also, 1-OA-4 states “understand subtraction as an unknown-addend problem.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[JanaB]

Is it expected that 1st Grade students must write situation and solution equations?

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