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Math Check-In

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Lesson Plan

Math Check-In Lesson Plan

Assess the student’s number recognition, basic addition/subtraction, and place-value understanding in a focused 30-minute session to pinpoint strengths and gaps for targeted support.

Gathering precise data on foundational math skills ensures future instruction is personalized, boosts confidence, and accelerates progress for a student working below grade level.

Audience

3rd Grade (Individual Tier 3)

Time

30 minutes

Approach

One-on-one tasks with clear, uncluttered materials

Materials

Math Check-In Worksheet, Printed number cards (0–100), Base-ten blocks or place-value disks, Pencil and eraser, and Timer or stopwatch

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print a copy of the Math Check-In Worksheet.
  • Cut or sort the printed number cards (0–100) into a small stack.
  • Place base-ten blocks or disks in a container for easy access.
  • Ensure pencils and erasers are ready.
  • Set a timer for each section to keep pacing consistent.

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Welcome the student and explain that you’ll work together to see what she knows in math today.
  • Emphasize there are no penalties for mistakes—this is to help plan future lessons.
  • Show the worksheet briefly so she knows what to expect.

Step 2

Number Recognition Check

5 minutes

  • Display one number card at a time (random order).
  • Ask the student to read each number aloud.
  • Record correct and incorrect responses on the worksheet.
  • Use at least 10 cards, focusing on two- and three-digit numbers.

Step 3

Basic Operations Assessment

10 minutes

  • Direct the student to Section A of the Math Check-In Worksheet.
  • Ask her to solve five addition and five subtraction problems.
  • Allow use of scratch paper but no calculators.
  • Note strategies used and any hesitations.

Step 4

Place-Value Tasks

7 minutes

  • Use base-ten blocks or disks to model three numbers from Section B of the worksheet.
  • Ask the student to build each number physically, then write its expanded form.
  • Check understanding of hundreds, tens, and ones.
  • Record accuracy and any misconceptions.

Step 5

Review and Next Steps

3 minutes

  • Go over a few sampled answers with the student, praising efforts.
  • Highlight one strength and one area to focus on next.
  • Explain that you’ll use this information to tailor future lessons for success.
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Worksheet

Math Check-In Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________

Section 1: Number Recognition

I will show you a number card. Write the number you see.

  1. ___________


  2. ___________


  3. ___________


  4. ___________


  5. ___________


  6. ___________


  7. ___________


  8. ___________


  9. ___________





Section A: Basic Operations

Solve each problem. Write your answer on the line.

Addition

23 + 15 = _______



56 + 19 = _______

 
 



34 + 37 = _______


 
 


81 + 12 = _______


Subtraction
28 - 12 = _______


35 – 14 = _______



96 – 55 = _______



38 – 19 = _______


Section B: Place-Value Tasks

Use base-ten blocks or disks to build each number. Then write its expanded form.

  1. Number: 42 Expanded form: ___________________

    \

    \

     
     

 
 

  1. Number: 105 Expanded form: ___________________

     
     

 
 



  1. Number: 289 Expanded form: ___________________

     
     

 
 



Thank you for your work today!

(Materials for teacher: Math Check-In Lesson Plan)

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Slide Deck

Math Check-In Assessment

• 30-minute one-on-one session
• Goal: see what you know about numbers, operations, and place value
• No penalties for mistakes—this helps me plan your next lessons

Welcome the student warmly and set a positive tone. Explain: “Today we’ll work together on a short math check-in. There are no wrong answers—you’re helping me plan our future lessons.” Show the worksheet link so she knows what to expect.

Session Overview

  1. Number Recognition (5 min)
  2. Basic Operations (10 min)
  3. Place-Value Tasks (7 min)
  4. Review & Next Steps (3 min)

Describe the flow of the session and timing. Keep it brief so the student knows what’s coming.

Number Recognition

• Use 10 random number cards (2- and 3-digit)
• Read each number aloud
• Write it on Section 1 of the Math Check-In Worksheet

Hand the student the worksheet and number cards. Say: “I’ll show you one card at a time. Read the number aloud and then write it on your worksheet.” Record accuracy as she writes.

Basic Operations

• Section A of worksheet: 5 addition + 5 subtraction
• Write all answers on the lines provided
• Observe methods and note any struggle points

Ask the student to turn to Section A. Guide: “Solve each addition and subtraction problem. You may use scratch paper, but no calculator.” Note any strategies or hesitations.

Place-Value Tasks

• Build three numbers: 142, 305, 489
• Use base-ten blocks or disks
• Write expanded form next to each model

Provide base-ten blocks or disks. Say: “I’ll give you each number. Build it with the blocks, then write its expanded form in Section B.” Check for understanding of hundreds, tens, and ones.

Review & Next Steps

• Go over 2–3 answers together
• Praise one strength and identify one focus area
• Explain: “I’ll use this info to plan our upcoming lessons.”

Select a few sample responses to discuss. Praise effort, highlight one strength and one area to focus on. Explain how this informs future instruction.

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