How Many Butterflies?

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• Read aloud Counting Butterflies by Jerry Pallota.
• As you read, pause to point out the number written on each page and explain how the number matches the corresponding number of butterflies on the page.
• Pull out a handful of math manipulatives and say, "I wonder how many ____ I have in all? I am going to count each one to find the total amount."
• Using a number line and math manipulative (e.g., snap cubes or buttons) model counting each object while pointing to the corresponding number on the number line to find the total amount.

Guided Practice

• Put students in pairs with a partner.
• Pass out a handful of math manipulatives to each pair along with a number line.
• Explain that each pair should count their manipulatives using their number line.
• Have students find the total number of manipulatives with their partner using the number line and counting aloud.
• Bring students' attention back to the front and have several pairs share out their total number.
• As students share out, highlight the different counting strategies they used (e.g., moving to the side, placing on the number line, etc).

Group work time

• Display the Counting Butterflies worksheet and explain the instructions.
• Pass out worksheets and number lines for students to use when completing their work indpendently.
• Ask students to turn and talk to share the total number of butterflies they counted on their worksheet.