math the pirate way - polk county public schools · receives a large pirate drawstring bag to keep...

n PROGRAM OVERVIEW Math the Pirate Way is designed

to give Kindergarten students a way to review addition and subtraction in a fun, engaging way. Students love when there are special activities to go along with their learning. This program allows students to be pirates while they are practicing and reviewing addition and subtraction.

I developed this program when I noticed Kindergarten students need a lot of practice with addition and subtraction. Once we finish our unit on addition and subtraction many students forget how to complete addition and subtraction problems. So I created these fun pirate days to help them review how to add and subtract in a enjoyable way. Students learn how to add and subtract with counters (coins/jewels), how to work with a team to solve a “Pirate Problem” (word problem), how to create their own “Pirate Problem” and get their classmates to solve the problem they created.

My students favorite part of these days is using their Treasure Map to move around the classroom to find problems to solve and they love all the “loot”. During the program each student receives a large pirate drawstring bag to keep their Pirate journal, treasure maps, and pencil. For each part of the program students earn their pirate “loot” for solving problems, the “loot” includes

For further information contact…

Elizabeth “Liz” AlexanderWendell Watson Elementary

6800 Walt Williams Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809

RT. A863-853-6060

[email protected]

2019 - 2020 IDEA CATALOG OF EXCELLENCE

their own mini treasure chest, 2 bead necklaces, a pirate rubber duck, and gold coins.

One of my favorite classroom activities that is part of this program is “Create the Pirate Way”. For this part of the program students get to create their own “Pirate Problem” which is a word/story problem. The problem can be addition or subtraction and the rest is up to the students imagination. After they have created their story problem, they meet with me. I make sure the problem makes sense, uses the correct vocabulary, and that they know the correct answer to their problem. Then students record their story problem on the FlipGrid app. After every student has created their problem, they solve another student's story problem on the app. They record their answer to a classmates problem. In addition, I can go on the app and look at the problems and the answers.

I have seventeen students in my classroom with three students who are reading above grade level. Ten are at grade level and four who are below grade level. One of my students is ESE with an IEP. Two of my students are classified as Speech Impaired and one is classified as Language Impaired. This program is designed to be done whole group. Students of all abilities are able to participate in this program with accommodations. This program was

originally designed for my Kindergarten students but can be easily adapted for students of all ages and skills.

n OVERALL VALUE The overall value of this program is

to give students the practice and review needed for addition and subtraction in a new and exciting way. When you use new and exciting ways to teach students they enjoy it more, get excited about their learning, and are more apt to participate and remember what they learned.

This program adds the fun into learning plus gives students the chance to be creative and use technology. Students crave the use of technology in the classroom so teachers need to find fun and exciting ways to incorporate it into their classrooms. Teachers can guide students in the use of technology to enhance their learning. With technology, my students are more engaged and excited about their learning.

n LESSON PLAN TITLES• Add the Pirate Way• Subtract the Pirate Way• Create the Pirate Way

~ A Returning Developer ~

Math the Pirate Way


Math the Pirate Way

n MATERIALS See individual lesson plans.

n ABOUT THE DEVELOPERElizabeth “Liz” Alexander earned

her B.S. in Pre-K/Primary/Elementary Education from Florida Southern College in 2001. She has worked as a teacher for the past 18 years for Polk County Schools. She has taught Kindergarten, First, and Second grade. Most of her teaching career has been spent in Kindergarten and First grade.

She earned her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an Instructional Technology Concentration in 2011.

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“Math the Pirate Way” Elizabeth “Liz” AlexanderLesson Plan No 1: Add the Pirate Way

n SUBJECTS COVEREDMath

n GRADESKindergarten

n OBJECTIVES Students will…

… solve addition problems using coins/jewels with sums up to 10.

… solve ““Pirate Problems” (addition word problems) using coins/jewels with sums up to 10.

n STANDARDS FSS / NGSSS

MAFS.K.OA.1.1: Represent addition and subtraction with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds (e.g., claps), acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations.

MAFS.K.OA.1.2: Solve addition and subtraction word problems1 , and add and subtract within 10, e.g., by using objects or drawings to represent the problem (1 Students are not required to independently read the word problems.).

n VOCABULARY• Add• Plus• Equals• Sum• Put together

n MATERIALS• Red bandanas• Blue bandanas• Small pirate drawstring bags• Coins (taken out of the small

drawstring bags)• Jewels (taken out of the small

drawstring bags)• B ig p i ra te drawst r ing bags

(backpacks for students)• Treasure maps• Fish net• Cardstock• Laminator• Laminating sheets• Sharpie markers (black & metallic)• Pirate journal (plain white copy

paper folded in half with brownconstruction paper for the cover)

• Large Treasure Chest with prizes(small treasure chest, necklaces,pirtate rubber duckies, gold coins,telescope, mini prisms)

• Youtube.com:- When You Add with a Pirate:

ht tps: / /w w w.youtube.com/watch?v=WT_wvvEvkw4

- When You Subtract with aPirate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkPa9V2wtZs

n DIRECTIONS Review addition with Pirate song on Youtube.com:

When You Add with a Pirate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT_wvvEvkw4

Day 1: (can be done for several days)1. Hang fish nets on the walls in 5

different parts of the classroom.

2. Label 4 areas different pirate themewords (Ideas: Parrots, Alligator,Captain, Anchor, The Plank, etc).Label one area with a large X (forX Marks the Spot - Teacher &Treasure Chest)

3. On the Treasure Maps put thetheme words from step #2 indifferent places but not near the Xusing a Sharpie marker. Circle oneword on each map (this is wherestudents will start) then draw arrows to the other areas to show studentswhich order they will complete thecenters. Each student will needtheir own treasure map. Draw lineson the back to make a 4-sqaure.Students will use one square ineach center.

4. Use card stock & a Sharpie to writeaddition problems but don’t writethe sum on the card. Make all theproblems with sums up to 10 (forexample: 1+4 and 4+1). Label theback of the card with a letter sostudents can label which problemthey did. Label the problems withthe same sum with the same letter.Make an answer sheet for you. (forexample: 1+3=, 3+1=, 2+2=, 0+4=,4+0=/these all equal 4 so label allof them with letter A). Laminatethe problems so they can be usedmultiple times. Put each problem ina small drawstring pirate bag.

5. Put some of the bags in eachcenter. Also put jewels or coins ineach center for students to use ascounters.

6. Give each student a large drawstring pirate bag with a treasure map,pencil, eraser, and a bandana.

7. Students put on their bandana andlook at their treasure map for whereto begin their treasure hunt.

“Math the Pirate Way” Elizabeth “Liz” AlexanderLesson Plan No 1: Add the Pirate Way (cont.)


8. Students go to their first stationand pick a bag. Students work tosolve their problem. On the backof their treasure map they will writethe letter on the card, the additionproblem, and the sum. Studentswill use the coins or jewels to helpthem solve their problem.

9. Students will continue until theyhave solved one problem in eachstation. Then they will go to X marks the Spot (Teacher). Teacher willcheck their work.

10. If students:A. got all the problems correct they

will get to choose a prize fromthe large Treasure Chest (eachday I put something differentin the treasure chest – the firstday they will get their own miniTreasure Chest).

ORB. missed any problems, Teacher

will model using counters. Thenhave student return to thatcenter and solve a new problem.(Repeat step 9 &10)

Day 2:1. Teacher will present a “Pirate

Problem” (addition word problem)to the class.

2. Students will work with their teamto solve the problem. There will becounters (coins & jewels) availablefor students.

3. Each team will decide how to solvethe problem and each student willrecord in their own pirate journalhow the problem was solved.

4. Each team will pick one student toshow how they solved the problemand what the sum is.

5. Repeat with several different “Pirate Problems”.

6. Teams that worked well togetherwill get a prize from the TreasureChest. (I put different prizes in theTreasure Chest each day).

NOTE: The first prize I have in the Treasure Box is the small treasure boxes so my students can use them to store their “loot” all week. I put student names on their treasure chest with a metallic Sharpie marker.

n ACCOMMODATIONSStudents can work with a partner.

Students are given manipulatives to help them solve the problem. For higher students that finish early, have them make up their own problems or go to each center again and solve more problems.

n EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT Teacher will check the students

Treasure Map to see if they solved all of their problems correctly.

n ADDL INFORMATIONThis lesson can be easily adapted

for other grade levels. Teachers can pick a math or reading topic their students need extra practice with and make a fun, engaging review as pirates! Teachers could also pick a different theme (instead of pirates).

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“Math the Pirate Way” Elizabeth “Liz” AlexanderLesson Plan No 2: Subtract the Pirate Way




… solve subtraction problems using coins/jewels (subtracting within 10).

… solve “Pirate Problems” (subtrac-tion word problems) using coins/jewels with (within 10).




n VOCABULARY• Subtract• Minus• Equals• Difference• Take away

n MATERIALS• Red bandanas• Blue bandanas• Small pirate drawstring bags• Coins (taken out of the small



(backpacks for students)• Treasure maps• Fish net• Cardstock• Laminator• Laminating sheets• Sharpie markers (black & metallic)• Pirate journal (plain white copy


• Large Treasure Chest with prizes(small treasure chest, necklaces,pirtate rubber duckies, gold coins,telescope, mini prisms)

n DIRECTIONS Review subtraction with Pirate song

on Youtube.com:W hen You Sub t rac t w i th a

Pirate ht tps: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkPa9V2wtZs

Day 1: (can be done for several days)1. Hang fish nets on the walls in 4

different parts of the classroom.2. Label 4 areas different pirate theme

words (Ideas: Parrots, Alligator,Captain, Anchor, The Plank, etc).Label one area with a large X (forX Marks the Spot - Teacher &Treasure Chest)

3. On the Treasure Maps put the theme words from step #2 in different places but not near the X using a Sharpie marker. Circle one word on each map (this is where students will start) then draw arrows to the other areas to show students which order they will complete the centers. Each student will need their own treasure map. Draw lines on the back to make a 4-sqaure. Students will use one square in each center.

4. Use card stock & a Sharpie to write subtraction problems but don’t write the difference on the card. Make all the problems within 10 (largest number used is 10). Label the back of the card with a letter so students can label which problem they did. Label the problems with the same difference with the same letter. Make an answer sheet for you. (for example: 5-1=, 4-0=, 6-2=, 8-4=, 7-3=, 9-5=,10-6=/these all equal 4 so label all of them with letter A). Laminate the problems so they can be used multiple times. Put each problem in a small drawstring pirate bag.

5. Put some of the bags in each center. Also put jewels or coins in each center for students to use as counters.

6. Give each student a large drawstring pirate bag with a treasure map, pencil, eraser, and a bandana.

7. Students put on their bandana and look at their treasure map for where to begin their treasure hunt.

8. Students go to their first station and pick a bag. Students work to solve their problem. On the back of their treasure map they will write the letter on the card, the subtraction problem, and the difference. Students will use the coins or jewels to help them solve their problem.

“Math the Pirate Way” Elizabeth “Liz” AlexanderLesson Plan No 2: Subtract the Pirate Way (cont.)


9. Students will continue until theyhave solved one problem in eachstation. Then they will go to X marks the Spot (Teacher). Teacher willcheck their work.

10. If students:a. got all the problems correct they

will get to choose a prize fromthe large Treasure Chest (eachday I put something different inthe treasure chest).

ORb. missed any problems, Teacher

will model using counters. Thenhave student return to that centerand solve a new problem. (repeat step 9 & 10)

Day 2:1. Teacher will present a “Pirate

Prob lem” (subt rac t ion wordproblem) to the class.

2. Students will work with their teamto solve the problem. There will becounters (coins & jewels) availablefor students.

3. Each team will decide how to sovlethe problem and each student willrecord in their own pirate journalhow the problem was solved.

4. Each team will pick one student toshow how they sovled the problemand what the sum is.

5. Repeat with several different “Pirate Problems”.

6. Teams that worked well togetherwill get a prize from the TreasureChest. (I put different prizes in theTreasure Chest each day).

NOTE: The first prize I have in the Treasure Box is the small treasure boxes so my students can use them to store their “loot” all week. I put student names on their treasure chest with a metallic Sharpie marker.

n ACCOMMODATIONSStudents can work with a partner.

Students are given manipulatives to help them solve the problem. For higher students that finish early, have them make up their own problems or go to each center again and solve more problems.

n EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT Teacher will check the students

Treasure Map to see if they solved all of their problems correctly.


for other grade levels. Teachers can pick a math or reading topic their students need extra practice with and make a fun, engaging review as pirates! Teachers could also pick a different theme (instead of pirates).

H H H

“Math the Pirate Way” Elizabeth “Liz” AlexanderLesson Plan No 3: Create the Pirate Way





… create their own “Pirate Problem” (word problem).

… record their problem in the FlipGrid app.

… solve a problem created by their classmate.

… record their answer in the Flip Grid app.




n VOCABULARY• Add• Plus• Equals• Sum• Put together• Subtract• Minus• Equals• Difference• Take away

n MATERIALS• Red bandanas• Blue bandanas• Coins (taken out of the small



(backpacks for students)• Treasure maps• Sharpie markers (black & metallic)• Pirate journal (plain white copy


• Computer or other device with acamera & internet access

• FlipGrid app (or website)• Large Treasure Chest with prizes

(small treasure chest, necklaces,pirtate rubber duckies, gold coins,telescope, mini prisms)

n DIRECTIONS Prior to this program my students

were taught how to use the FlipGrid app/website (www.flipgrid.com). This site is free for educators and very easy to use - my Kindergarten students love it!

Review addition and subtraction with Pirate songs on Youtube.com:

When You Add with a Pirate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT_wvvEvkw4 W hen You Sub t rac t w i th a Pirate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkPa9V2wtZs

1. Teacher will tell students that it is their turn to create a “Pirate Problem” (word problem).

2. Students will need to decide if their problem will be addition or subtraction.

3. Students may use jewels, coins, or another object for their problem (as long as it pirate themed).

4. Students will create their problem in their Pirate Journal. Students will write the answer to their problem on the back of their page.

5. Students will meet with the Teacher to share the problem they created. Teacher will provide help when needed. *Students will get “loot” from the Treasure Chest for creating their problem & recording it.

6. Students will use the FlipGrid app to record their problem, but not the answer.

7. After all students have recorded their problem, students will go onto the FlipGrid app and pick a problem to solve. Students will solve the problem and record the answer. *Students will get “loot” from the Treasure Chest for solving a problem & recording the answer.

“Math the Pirate Way” Elizabeth “Liz” AlexanderLesson Plan No 3: Create the Pirate Way (cont.)


n ACCOMMODATIONSTeacher will provide support when

needed. Students can work together, but both students will need their own problem.

n EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT Teachers will use the rubric.


for other grade levels. Teachers can pick a math or reading topic their students need extra practice with and make a fun, engaging review as pirates! Teachers could also pick a dif ferent theme (instead of pirates).

H H H

Materials BudgetSUPPLIER ITEM # AND DESCRIPTION COST QUANTITY TOTAL COST

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Teacher _________________________________________

School __________________________________________

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Subtotal

Tax if applicable

Shipping if applicable

TOTALBUDGETAMOUNT

“Math the Pirate Way” Elizabeth “Liz” AlexanderMaterials Budget


Elizabeth “Liz” Alexander

Wendell Watson Elementary

Oriental Trading Classic red bandanas (dozen) 9.99 1 9.99Classic navy bandanas (dozen) 9.99 1 9.99Pirate bags with gold coins (dozen) 14.49 4 57.96Pirate drawstring bags with jewels (dozen) 15.49 4 61.96Pirate drawstring bags 13.39 2 26.78Pirate treasure maps 5.19 2 10.38Treasure chest (large) 28.59 1 28.59Pirate coins (144 pieces) 5.19 1 5.19Classic pirate rubber duckies (dozen) 6.69 2 13.38Metallic bead necklace assortment (48 pieces) 9.99 1 9.99Black pirate chests (dozen) 9.99 2 19.98Decorativefishnetwalldecorations 3.98 5 19.90Mini pirate prisms (48 pieces) 8.79 1 8.79Extending telescopes (dozen) 5.19 2 10.38Shipping (often codes for Free Shipping) 29.33

Walmart.com Sharpiemetallicfinepointpermanentmarkers6/pkg-gold,silver,bronze 7.99 2 15.98Sharpiepermanentmarkers,finepoint,black,12count 6.99 1 6.99Springhilldigitalindexcolorcardstock,110lb,8.5x11,ivory,250sheets/pk 9.40 1 9.40Scotch thermal laminator 21.88 1 21.88Scotchthermallaminatingpouches,200count,lettersizesheets 19.99 1 19.99

$367.80

29.33

$396.83

“Math the Pirate Way” Elizabeth “Liz” AlexanderRubric - Create the Pirate Way


Student Name _______________________________________________________________

Create the Pirate Way Rubric

Score 3 2 1 Create a Problem Student created an

addition or subtraction word problem with a pirate theme.

Student attempted to create an addition or subtraction word problem with a pirate theme.

Student did not create an addition or subtraction word problem.

Record the Problem Student recorded their problem on the FlipGrid app.

Student attempted to record their problem on the FlipGrid app.

Student did not record their problem on the FlipGrid app.

Solve a Problem Student solved a problem created by a classmate.

Student attempted to solve a problem created by a classmate.

Student did not solve a problem created by a classmate.

Record the Answer Student recorded their answer on the FlipGrid app.

Student attempted to record their answer on the FlipGrid app.

Student did not record their answer on the FlipGrid app.


“Math the Pirate Way” Elizabeth “Liz” AlexanderAdditional information: Word Problems

Math the Pirate Way – Addition Word Problems1. Pirate Liz has 5 gold coins and Pirate Sam has 4 gold coins. How many gold coins do they

have altogether? (9)2. Pirate Jeff has 7 treasure chests. He stole 1 treasure chest. How many treasure chests does

he have now? (8)3. The pirate ship has 3 pirates on it. Then 4 more pirates get on the ship. How many pirates

are on the ship now? (7)4. Pirate Jane has 8 jewels. Pirate Logan gives her 2 more jewels. How many jewels does she

have now? (10)

Math the Pirate Way – Subtraction Word Problems1. Pirate Mya has 10 treasure chests full of gold coins. Another pirate steals 6 treasure chests.

How many treasure chests does Mya have now? (4)2. There are 8 pirate ships in the ocean. 1 pirate ship sinks. How many pirate ships now? (7)3. Pirate Emma has 6 pink jewels. Pirate Donald steals all of the jewels. How many jewels does

Emma have now? (0)4. There are 9 gold coins in a treasure chest. Someone stole 3 coins. How many coins are

in the treasure chest now? (6)*Note: I change the names to match the students in my class each year. They love hearing their

names in problems.

math the pirate way - polk county public schools · receives a large pirate drawstring bag to keep...

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