THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 RELEASE
If 98 first graders participate in the 1st Grade Math Challenge and 63 of them are seven years old, how many of them are six years old? This question is similar to the challenging multi-step problem solving questions that first grade students will solve during the 14th Danville District 118 1st Grade Math Challenge.
Students from all six Danville elementary buildings will be competing in teams of three and will answer ten different types of mathematical story problems. We are excited to announce that even more students from the county schools will be joining us this year. We had so much fun with our county math challengers last year and excited we are expanding the fun!
Students will be awarded points for obtaining the correct answers and additional points for explanations of how they obtained the correct answers. All teams will be eligible to score at the Championship Level if they collect enough bonus points.
The purpose of the 1st Grade Math Challenge is to address Illinois Learning Standards and the Standards for Mathematical Practice, including “Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them”. Students no longer are on a quest simply for the correct answer but must also be able to explain thinking and processes for problem solving.
Participants will be encouraged to use a variety of problem-solving techniques including drawing a picture, using manipulatives, using number lines, and part-part-whole box, etc. Teams will have time to plan and discuss their answer and a speaker from each group will present the outcome. Scorers from Ms. Seibert’s DHS math class will determine which level a team is awarded after the competition.
The Challenge was created by Rena Pate, a retired District 118 elementary teacher and self-proclaimed math enthusiast. The First Grade Math Challenge was based on her book “When Do Dandelions Become Weeds? A Primary Guide for Problem Solving.”
The problems are designed to challenge students to complete more complex multi-step story problems.
Attendees will be amazed by the cooperative learning and rigorous conversations these math stars will be using. The competition will provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate and reflect on first grade (and beyond) critical thinking skills. Additionally, we will celebrate progress with their families, teachers, and peers.
The Challenge will take place on April 23, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM at the DHS gymnasium. The DHS drumline will be welcoming attendees beginning at 9:30 am. Please plan to attend and help us celebrate! For more information, please contact the Curriculum Office at 217-444-1098.
