🎯 Unit Summary
Unit 1 introduces children to foundational number sense through hands-on LEGO® building. Students explore numbers through play — counting, grouping, comparing, and composing quantities using real models they construct themselves.
This unit teaches:
- accurate counting up to 20 and beyond
- organizing counting using simple categories (colour, shape, size)
- checking and verifying counts using multiple strategies
- creating equal groups and understanding grouping
- comparing and ordering models by attributes
- composing numbers in multiple ways (multiple representations)
- creating math stories from actions (addition and subtraction)
- using mathematical vocabulary and reasoning
All learning emerges from real physical models, following the Brickit cycle:
Sort → Scan → Choose → Build → Explore → Reflect
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🧠 Core Concepts
✔ Accurate Counting
Students count objects accurately up to 20 and beyond using one-to-one correspondence.
They verify counts using multiple strategies (counting by ones, groups, or in different orders).
✔ Attributes & Classification
Students sort and classify bricks by observable attributes: colour, shape, size, height.
This develops early data organization and pattern recognition skills.
✔ Equal Groups
Students create and identify equal groups, building foundations for multiplication and division.
They understand that equal groups contain the same number of objects.
✔ Multiple Representations
Students show the same number in many ways (multiple representations).
They compose and decompose numbers using different attributes and groupings.
✔ Math Stories from Actions
Math stories start from actions, not numbers.
Students create addition and subtraction stories based on real actions with their models.
✔ Mathematical Language
Students use precise mathematical vocabulary:
- more, less, equal, total
- attribute, compare, order
- group, compose, decompose
- add, subtract, join, take away
📚 Standards Alignment
🧩 Unit Structure
Unit 1 contains seven lessons, each designed to build on student understanding progressively.
Counting Colours and Bricks
Students transform a mixed pile of LEGO bricks into a rich number sense activity. They sort, count, and compare bricks by colour and type, building accurate counting skills.
- accurate counting
- sorting by attributes
- simple equations
- comparison vocabulary
Checking and Verifying Counts
Students learn to verify counts using two different strategies. They build a model, count the bricks, recount using a different method, and explain how they know the total is correct.
- verification strategies
- error checking
- metacognition
- reasoning
Making Equal Groups
Students explore the foundational concept of equal groups. They build a model, count the total, divide it into equal groups, and represent groups using repeated addition.
- equal grouping
- repeated addition
- early multiplication
- pattern recognition
Comparing and Ordering Models
Students develop precise mathematical language for comparing and ordering objects based on observable attributes. They compare height, width, number of bricks, and explain their comparisons.
- comparative language
- attribute identification
- ordering
- evidence-based reasoning
Number Compositions
Students understand that numbers can be made in multiple ways. They build a model, count the total, and break it into different combinations, exploring flexible thinking about numbers.
- composing numbers
- decomposing numbers
- multiple representations
- flexible thinking
Math Stories (Addition & Subtraction)
Students build LEGO models and use them to create math stories — short narratives that show joining or separating actions. Math stories start from actions, not numbers.
- story creation
- operations meaning
- action-based reasoning
- narrative math
Brick Counting Challenge
A culminating assessment lesson. Students complete a multi-part challenge: count bricks, compare attributes, create equal groups, compose numbers, and create math stories — all based on their own model.
- assessment
- mastery check
- integration
- reasoning
🧰 Teacher Toolkit
Materials Needed
- 200–400 mixed LEGO bricks per group
- 1 device with Brickit App for scanning
- sorting trays (optional)
- mini-whiteboards or printed Student Sheets
Recommended Group Structure
- 2–4 students per group
- rotate roles: scanner, builder, explainer, recorder
- every student participates in counting and reasoning
Teacher Prompts Used Across the Unit
- "How many bricks are in your model?"
- "How do you know your count is correct?"
- "What attribute are you using to sort?"
- "How are these groups equal?"
- "Can you show the same number in a different way?"
- "What action happened in your math story?"
- "Show your thinking with your model."
🧮 Skills Progression Across Unit 1
| Skill Domain | Early Lessons (1.1–1.2) | Mid Lessons (1.3–1.4) | Final Lessons (1.5–1.7) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counting | accurate counting to 20+ | verification strategies | independent checking |
| Attributes | sorting by colour/shape | comparing by attributes | using attributes in stories |
| Grouping | basic sorting | equal groups | multiple representations |
| Number Sense | counting and comparing | ordering and comparing | composing and decomposing |
| Operations | simple equations | repeated addition | addition/subtraction stories |
| Reasoning | simple explanations | comparative reasoning | narrative reasoning |
🧭 Teacher Notes for Successful Lessons
- Always start from actions and models, not from abstract numbers or symbols.
- Reinforce the idea: "Math stories start from actions, not numbers."
- Use scanning and building routines consistently — they keep students engaged.
- Encourage students to verify counts using multiple strategies.
- Promote the concept of "multiple representations" — the same number shown in different ways.
- Allow creative but purposeful building — variation deepens understanding.
- Promote discussion: the unit works best when children explain their thinking aloud.
📚 Navigation
All 7 lessons are accessible from the Quick Access section above or from individual lesson cards.