The document describes a lesson plan using M&M candies to teach elementary math skills. Students are divided into groups that rotate between 4 stations: 1) Estimating the number of M&Ms in a bag, 2) Sorting and counting M&Ms by color, 3) Graphing the results, and 4) Creating addition problems based on the amounts of each color. The goal is for students to practice skills like estimation, sorting, counting, graphing, and addition in an engaging, hands-on activity using a familiar real-world item.

1. Using Trade Books to Teach
Math
Compiled by
Melissa Winfield

2. Learning Objectives
Students will:
1. Sort M & M’s by a given attribute (color)
estimate how many M & M’s are in bag #1
and bag #2
2. Graph M & M’s by color and conclude what
color they have the most and least of
3. Combine sets (add) M & M’s together and
describe results

3. Introduction
• After reading the M & M Counting Book
explain the four stations to the students
and explain what will be expected of them
at each station.
• Have the student groups rotate through
the four math centers in fifteen minutes
intervals.
• Give the students a Ziploc bag with M &
M’s inside.

4. Center #1: Estimating & Sorting
• Each student will receive
an estimating sheet.
• Show the children the
bag of M & M’s and ask
them to estimate how
many M & M’s are in the
bag. Have them write
their estimate on the
sheet that was given to
them.

5. Center #2: Counting & Sorting
• Each student will
receive an M & M
sorting sheet.
• Students will be
asked to sort their
bag of M & M’s by
color. They need to
place the appropriate
color of M & M’s on
the color word circle
on their sorting sheet.

6. Center #2: Counting
• After their M & M’s are
sorted, have each student
count how many M & M’s
they have of each color
and record that number
on their sheet in the
appropriate color word
circle.
• If time allows, have the
students color the circles
on their sorting sheet
using the appropriate
color

7. Center #3: Graphing
• Each student will receive
a M & M graphing sheet.
• The students are to graph
his/her M & M’s by their
color.
• The student then colors in
the appropriate squares
on the graph to represent
how many of each color
he/she had in their bag.

8. Center 4: Adding
• Each student will
receive an adding
sheet. The student
will work with the
teacher or TA to
create addition
sentences using the
M & M’s.