Georgia K.MP.5
The Standard
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Georgia's K-12 Mathematics Standards · Display perseverance and patience in problem-solving. Demonstrate skills and strategies needed to succeed in mathematics, including critical thinking, reasoning, and effective collaboration and expression. Seek help and apply feedback. Set and monitor goals.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students choose a math tool that fits the task, such as counters, cubes, a ten frame, fingers, or a drawing. They use the tool to show their thinking and explain how it helped.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students select a useful tool, use it correctly, and reach a reasonable answer. They can say how the tool helped and try another tool if needed.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may grab the nearest tool without thinking about whether it fits the problem. They may treat tools as toys or believe there is only one correct tool.
How to Assess It
- Give students counters, a ten frame, and crayons, then ask, “Which group has more, 7 bears or 5 bears?” Have them choose a tool and explain their choice.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Set out counters, cubes, ten frames, and crayons, then have students choose one tool to compare two groups of objects.
Ask, “Would cubes or a drawing help you show 6, and why?” then let partners compare their choices.
Play Tool Match by showing a counting or comparison task and having students hold up a card naming the best tool.
Give two snack plates with different numbers of crackers, then ask students to choose a tool to decide which plate has more.
Free download
Printable K.MP.5 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to K.MP.5, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.