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Magic of Math: Hands-On K–3 Math Curriculum

Magic of Math is a complete, interactive math curriculum for Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, created by teachers and authors Hope King and Amy Lemons. Every unit includes daily lesson plans, mini-lessons, word problems, student activities, interactive notebook entries, and assessments. Every unit and daily lesson is included with a GYTO Library membership.

When Hope King and Amy Lemons began creating the Magic of Math units, they knew the curriculum had to be interactive, engaging, and fun for students and teachers alike, without worksheets or repetitive activities that bore students. Every unit is created from scratch, and the lessons and activities are designed for each specific skill. Magic of Math can be used as a complete math curriculum or as a supplement to the program your school already follows.

What's in each lesson

  1. Lesson plans. Objectives, focus skill, materials, vocabulary, word problem of the day, and instructions for the mini-lesson, activities, and notebooks.
  2. Vocabulary cards. Each word with a model of the term, for display all unit long. Words spiral from unit to unit.
  3. Word problems. 20 per unit for daily use, with key words, strategies, and student materials. Multi-step problems build toward state assessments in 3rd grade.
  4. Mini-lessons. Modeling and whole-group games, anchor charts, teaching videos, and websites. Shifts from teaching to review as students master the skill.
  5. Student activities. Partner games, skill practice, scoots, and more. The most student-centered part of the day.
  6. Interactive notebooks. Independent entries where students show mastery. Use these and activity recording sheets for grades.
  7. Quick assessments. Weekly or bi-monthly checks mixing equations, vocabulary, and word problems, so you know where to reteach.

Kindergarten Magic of Math units

  1. Counting, Writing, and Representing Numbers 0-5
  2. Comparing Numbers, Equal Numbers 0-5
  3. Counting, Writing, and Representing Numbers 6-10
  4. Comparing Numbers 0-10
  5. Addition, Joining Together, & Word Problems
  6. Subtraction, Taking Away, & Word Problems
  7. Addition and Subtraction Fact Fluency within 5
  8. Representing Numbers 11-19 with Place Value
  9. Comparing Numbers 0-20
  10. 2D Shapes, 3D Shapes, Position Words, Composing Shapes
  11. Measuring Length and Height, Measuring Weight, and Capacity
  12. Sort, Collect Data, and Graph
  13. Identify Coins, Financial Literacy, End of the Year Review

1st Grade Magic of Math units

  1. Place Value and Counting
  2. Introduction to Addition
  3. Subtraction
  4. Shapes and Fractions
  5. Numbers to 120, Related Facts, Adding 3 Numbers
  6. Nonstandard Measurement
  7. Telling Time
  8. Bar Graphs, Pictographs, Collecting Data
  9. Identifying & Counting Coins and Financial Literacy
  10. Addition and Subtraction Equations
  11. End of Year Review

2nd Grade Magic of Math units

  1. Place Value, Number Order, & Comparing Numbers
  2. Addition and Subtraction Strategies
  3. Shapes and Fractions
  4. Addition & Subtraction with Regrouping
  5. Money with Counting Coins & Financial Literacy
  6. Measurement and Area of Rectangles
  7. Telling Time
  8. Graphing and Data Analysis
  9. Multiplication and Division
  10. Unknown Numbers, 10 & 100 More or Less

3rd Grade Magic of Math units

  1. Place Value and Rounding
  2. Addition & Subtraction Regrouping with Properties of Addition
  3. Introduction to Multiplication, Properties of Multiplication
  4. Division Facts, Strategies, and Word Problems
  5. Fractions, Comparing Fractions, Fractions on a Number Line
  6. Geometry, Area, Perimeter
  7. Telling Time, Elapsed Time, Measure Capacity, Weight, & Mass
  8. Graphing & Data for Bar Graphs, Line Plots, & Pictographs
  9. Multiplication Tables & Charts, 2-Digit Multiplication, Related Facts, Division
  10. Money and Financial Literacy

Free year overviews

Full-year bundles

Included with the GYTO Library membership

Join the GYTO Library for $15.99 a month or $149 a year and download every Magic of Math unit and daily lesson, plus Rooted in Reading and the entire GYTO Library. Cancel anytime. Join the Library.

Meet the creators

Hope King taught in the classroom for 13 years before co-founding Get Your Teach On. She co-created Magic of Math, Write On!, and Engagement Made Easy with Amy Lemons.

Amy Lemons started teaching in 2006 and spent most of her classroom years in 1st and 2nd grade. She co-created Magic of Math and Write On! with Hope King, and Rooted in Reading.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a full curriculum or a supplement?

Either one. Each day is built so you can use it as your main resource (check your district and state requirements). If you already follow a required program, pick the games, notebook entries, or activities you want to add.

How much math time do I need each day?

Math blocks run anywhere from 60 to 120 minutes, so each day includes enough to fill a long block. With less time, choose the activities that fit. Amy recommends at least 75–90 minutes of math a day.

How long do the materials take to prep?

It varies. Active learning isn’t no-prep: you may gather materials, make a chart, or do a little cutting. Once a unit is prepped, you’re set for next year. Colored paper is optional.

If there are no worksheets, how do I take grades?

Grade the interactive notebook entries or the recording sheets from the student activities. Each unit also includes quick assessments that work as weekly or bi-monthly grades, and you can grade daily word problems too.

Who created Magic of Math?

Magic of Math was created by teachers and authors Hope King and Amy Lemons, and is available from Get Your Teach On and in the GYTO Library.

Can I cancel my membership?

Yes. Memberships include unlimited downloads and you can cancel anytime.

Can my whole school get access?

Yes. School site licenses are available for teams of 10 or more teachers.

Are the full-year bundles included in the membership?

Bundles are sold separately and aren’t included in the Library membership. Members can download each unit individually at no cost.

Which grades are available?

Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, each with a free year overview and scope and sequence.