One Duck Stuck Primary Activity Packet

One Duck Stuck, by Phyllis Root, is a beloved children’s book. Not only does the story engage children it can also serve as a foundation for many mathematical investigations for primary mathematicians. The following 23 activities are a sample of the possible uses for these materials in the primary mathematics classroom. These activities are flexible enough to be used for leveled instruction in the primary grades, even into early intermediate grades. A second grader who is still struggling with counting can benefit from the counting activities denoted with kindergarten standards. Also many of these activities can be first introduced in small or large group instruction and then rotate out to a center or learning station.

One interesting and important concept in mathematics is Pascal’s Triangle. The combination of One Duck Stuck and the related mathematical concepts that can be found in Pascal’s Triangle allows students a fun, unique, and engaging venue for developing mathematical literacy. The main focus standards from the CCSSM have been identified at the beginning of each cluster of activities. Notice that for many of the activities the standards transcend two or all three of the primary grades. This was intentional to show the possible development of the learning trajectories for a topic and the possibilities for leveled instruction. Geometry connections although thin are there as well, just not identified as focus standards.

Materials are listed for each of the activities. The 128 pages include both black line masters as well as color masters have been provided. Suggestions for preparing the materials have been noted as well to facilitate making classroom sets for long term use.