Elementary Pull-Out: The Ravenous Bear

The Elementary Mathematician, COMAP's award-winning K-6 newsletter is available for the first time in electronic format. Each issue contains a collection of K-6 mathematic lessons that are fun to teach and exciting to learn.

Each issue of The Elementary Mathematician contains a Pull-Out section which includes thematic lessons based on the national census, wildlife, other cultures, technology, and provides a practical way to bring the concepts and pedagogy of the NCTM Standards into your classroom. 

Note: The information below was created with the assistance of AI.

Level of Mathematics
This activity is explicitly designed for early elementary students, particularly those in Kindergarten through Grade 2.

Mathematical Complexity: Low

Emphasizes counting, numeracy, and basic addition.

Incorporates patterns, tallying, and simple data collection through listening and visualization.

Prerequisite Skills
To engage successfully, students should have:

Basic counting ability (1 through 7)

Listening comprehension

Introduction to:

Tally marks

Numerals and one-to-one correspondence

Simple data interpretation

Familiarity with using a calculator (teacher-guided)

Capacity for following sequences and patterns

Application Areas

1. Foundational Number Sense
Strengthens basic understanding of numerals, quantity comparison, and patterns.

Builds skills for interpreting and recording numeric data.

2. Data Representation
Introduces charts and tables as tools for recording observed or stated quantities.

Uses a story context to motivate the recording of sequential data.

3. Early Technology Use
Students are taught how to use calculators to solve a real-world style problem: totaling a week’s worth of “meals.”

4. Literacy and Math Integration
Uses a story ("Ravenous Bear") to engage students in reading comprehension alongside math.

Reinforces vocabulary such as hibernate, tally, total, and ravenous.

5. Home-School Connection
Includes a home activity sheet for family involvement and reinforcement of classroom learning.

Subject Matter Overview
Mathematical Concepts:

Counting up to 7 using visual and auditory cues.

Simple addition to find total amounts over a week.

Pattern recognition (increasing sequence: 1 to 7).

Tally chart creation to visualize quantities.

Technology support using calculators as an efficiency tool.

Instructional Structure:

Directed instruction using a story

Guided practice through tally charting and classroom discussion

Independent practice on worksheets

Extension using calculator vs. manual addition

Home activity reinforcing key learning outcomes

Correlation to Mathematics Standards
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Grades K–2:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.1: Count to 100 by ones and tens.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.A.1: Use addition within 20 to solve word problems.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.MD.C.4: Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.OA.C.4: Use addition to identify number patterns.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP5: Use appropriate tools strategically (calculator usage).

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP6: Attend to precision in data representation.

NCTM Standards for Early Grades:

Number and Operations: Count with understanding and recognize “how many” in sets.

Data Analysis: Formulate questions and gather data; represent data using charts.

Connections: Link mathematical ideas to everyday contexts (e.g., animal eating patterns).