Math Explorer Checklist Math Explorer Checklist
Pre-K Massachusetts Standards Assessment
Student:
Date:
N: Not Yet
E: Emerging
M: Mastered
Counting & Cardinality (PK.CC)
Skill Indicator N E M Observations / Evidence Counts orally to 20 by ones. (PK.CC.1)
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| Counts forward from a given number (1-10). (PK.CC.2) |
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| Identifies & writes numerals 0-10. (PK.CC.3) |
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| Uses 1-to-1 correspondence up to 10 objects. (PK.CC.4) |
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| Answers "How many?" for sets up to 10. (PK.CC.5) |
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| Identifies "one more" in a set. (PK.CC.4c) |
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| Compares sets (more, less, same) up to 5. (PK.CC.6) |
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Operations & Algebraic Thinking (PK.OA)
<table class="w-full border-collapse"><tbody class="text-sm"><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 font-medium pr-4">Represents addition/subtraction with objects, fingers, or acting out (up to 5). (PK.OA.1)</td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-4"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-200 h-5"></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Measurement & Data (PK.MD)
<table class="w-full border-collapse"><tbody class="text-sm"><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 font-medium pr-4 w-1/2">Describes measurable attributes (length, weight). (PK.MD.1)</td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-4"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-200 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 font-medium pr-4">Directly compares two objects with a common attribute (e.g., "longer," "heavier"). (PK.MD.2)</td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-4"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-200 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 font-medium pr-4">Classifies objects into categories and counts (up to 10). (PK.MD.3)</td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-4"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-200 h-5"></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Geometry (PK.G)
<table class="w-full border-collapse"><tbody class="text-sm"><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 font-medium pr-4 w-1/2">Identifies shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle). (PK.G.2)</td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-4"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-200 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 font-medium pr-4">Describes objects in the environment using shape names. (PK.G.1)</td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-4"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-200 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 font-medium pr-4">Uses positional words (above, below, beside, in front, behind, next to). (PK.G.1)</td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-4"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-200 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 font-medium pr-4">Builds/creates shapes from components (e.g., sticks, clay). (PK.G.3)</td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-16 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-4"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-200 h-5"></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Summary & Next Steps
Strengths:
Areas for Growth:
Math Task Cards Math Task Cards
Teacher Script & Prompt Guide for Pre-K Assessment
Instructions for Use
Use these prompts during 1-on-1 sessions or small group play. Each task corresponds to the Math Explorer Checklist. Have materials ready: 20 counters, number cards (0-10), common 2D shapes, and blocks.
Counting (PK.CC.1, 2)
PROMPT 1:
"I'm going to start counting and I want you to join in. Let's see how high you can count!" (Observe to 20)
PROMPT 2:
"Start counting from 4 and stop at 10." (Vary starting numbers between 1-9)
Cardinality (PK.CC.4, 5)
PROMPT 3:
Place 8 counters. "How many circles are here? Use your finger to count them."
PROMPT 4:
After counting: "What if I add one more? How many would there be then?"
Operations (PK.OA.1)
ADDITION:
"You have 2 bears. I give you 1 more. How many bears do you have now?"
SUBTRACTION:
"You have 3 cookies. You eat 1. How many are left?" (Use manipulatives)
Measurement (PK.MD.1, 2)
COMPARE:
Hold up two pencils of different lengths. "Which one is longer? Which is shorter?"
WEIGHT:
Give a heavy block and a feather. "Which one feels heavier? Which feels lighter?"
Sorting (PK.MD.3)
CLASSIFY:
Provide a mix of red and blue buttons. "Can you put these into two groups? Why did you put them there?"
Positional (PK.G.1)
WORDS:
"Put the bear under the chair. Now put the bear next to the cup."
Shapes (PK.G.2, 3)
IDENTIFICATION:
Show cards for circle, square, triangle, and rectangle. "What is the name of this shape?"
CONSTRUCTION:
"Using these sticks, can you make a triangle? What about a square?"
References: Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Mathematics (2017)
Number Explorer Cards Number Explorer Cards
Assessment Manipulatives: Numerals 0-10
Math Explorer Assessment
Math Explorer
0
Math Explorer
1
Math Explorer
2
Math Explorer
3
Math Explorer
4
Math Explorer
5
Math Explorer
6
Math Explorer
7
Math Explorer
8
Math Explorer
9
Math Explorer
10
Ready to Explore!
Use these cards to assess PK.CC.3, PK.CC.4, and PK.CC.5.
Shape Explorer Cards Shape Explorer Cards
Assessment Manipulatives: 2D Geometric Shapes
Math Explorer Assessment
Math Explorer
Circle
Math Explorer
Square
Math Explorer
Triangle
Math Explorer
Rectangle
Shapes in the World
Use these smaller cards for PK.G.1 assessment: "Describe objects in the environment using shape names."
Clock
Circle
Window
Square
Pizza Slice
Triangle
Door
Rectangle
Cut along the dashed lines for individual flashcards.
Sorting Explorer Cards Sorting Explorer Cards
Assessment Manipulatives: Classification & Data (PK.MD.3)
Math Explorer Assessment
Assessment Task: Classification
Ask the student to sort these cards into groups. Start with an open prompt: "Can you put these into groups that go together?" If needed, prompt by attribute: "Put all the red things here" or "Put all the animals here." After sorting, ask: "How many are in this group?"
Red / Big
Red / Small
Red / Big
Red / Small
Blue / Big
Blue / Small
Blue / Big
Blue / Small
Green / Big
Green / Small
Green / Big
Green / Small
Yellow / Big
Yellow / Small
Yellow / Big
Yellow / Small
Category Sorting
Objects of various colors to test classification by type alone.
Animal
Animal
Animal
Animal
Vehicle
Vehicle
Vehicle
Vehicle
Food
Kitchen
Kitchen
Food
Assessment Checklist Reference:
PK.MD.3: Classifies objects into categories and counts the number of objects in each category (up to 10).
Math Navigator Checklist Math Navigator Checklist
1st Grade Massachusetts Standards Assessment
Student:
Date:
Not Yet (N)
Progressing (P)
Proficient (PR)
Operations & Algebraic Thinking (1.OA)
Skill Indicator N P PR Evidence / Strategy Observed Solves word problems (add/sub) within 20. (1.OA.1)
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| Adds 3 whole numbers (sum within 20). (1.OA.2) |
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| Applies Commutative & Associative props. (1.OA.3) |
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| Understands subtraction as an unknown-addend. (1.OA.4) |
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| Counts on/back to add and subtract. (1.OA.5) |
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| Fluently adds/subtracts within 10. (1.OA.6) |
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| Determines unknown whole numbers (e.g., 5 + _ = 9). (1.OA.8) |
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Number & Operations in Base Ten (1.NBT)
<table class="w-full border-collapse"><tbody class="text-sm"><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 pr-4 font-semibold text-slate-700 w-1/2">Counts to 120 (starting at any number <120). (1.NBT.1)</td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-6"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-100 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 pr-4 font-semibold text-slate-700">Explains place value (tens and ones). (1.NBT.2)</td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-6"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-100 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 pr-4 font-semibold text-slate-700">Compares two 2-digit numbers using <, >, =. (1.NBT.3)</td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-6"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-100 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 pr-4 font-semibold text-slate-700">Adds within 100 (2-digit + 1-digit/multiple of 10). (1.NBT.4)</td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-6"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-100 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 pr-4 font-semibold text-slate-700">Mentally finds 10 more/10 less from any number. (1.NBT.5)</td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-6"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-100 h-5"></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="w-full border-collapse"><tbody class="text-sm"><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 pr-4 font-semibold text-slate-700 w-1/2">Measures length using non-standard units. (1.MD.2)</td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-6"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-100 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 pr-4 font-semibold text-slate-700">Tells and writes time in hours and half-hours. (1.MD.3)</td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-6"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-100 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 pr-4 font-semibold text-slate-700">Interprets data with up to 3 categories. (1.MD.4)</td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-6"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-100 h-5"></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="w-full border-collapse"><tbody class="text-sm"><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 pr-4 font-semibold text-slate-700 w-1/2">Distinguishes defining vs non-defining attributes. (1.G.1)</td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-6"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-100 h-5"></div></td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-3 pl-2 pr-4 font-semibold text-slate-700">Partitions circles/rectangles into halves & fourths. (1.G.3)</td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 w-12 text-center"><div class="mx-auto w-5 h-5 border border-slate-300 rounded"></div></td><td class="py-3 pl-6"><div class="w-full border-b border-slate-100 h-5"></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
Math Navigator Task Cards Navigator Task Cards
Teacher Script & Assessment Prompts: 1st Grade
Assessment Preparation
Gather the following: 20 small counters, Base Ten blocks (tens/ones), non-standard units (paperclips/cubes), and a sample analog clock.
Operations (1.OA.1)
PROMPT:
"There were 8 birds on a branch. Some more flew over, and now there are 13 birds. How many birds flew over?"
Observe if they use counters, draw, or use a mental strategy (counting on).
Properties (1.OA.3)
PROMPT:
"If you know that 2 + 8 is 10, how does that help you find 2 + 8 + 4?"
Observe if they recognize the 'make a ten' strategy or re-grouping.
Base Ten (1.NBT.2)
PROMPT:
Show the number 42. "How many tens are in this number? How many ones? Can you show me with the blocks?"
Must correctly identify 4 rods and 2 units.
Mental Math (1.NBT.5)
PROMPT:
"Pick a number between 10 and 90. What is 10 more? What is 10 less?"
Observe if they can answer without counting by ones.
Time (1.MD.3)
PROMPT:
Set the clock to 4:30. "What time does this clock show? Now show me what 6 o'clock looks like."
Geometry (1.G.3)
PROMPT:
Show a paper circle. "Can you fold this to show me four equal parts? What do we call one of those parts?"
Looking for 'fourths' or 'quarters'.
The 120 Challenge (1.NBT.1)
Part A: Oral Counting
"Start counting at 95 and keep going until I tell you to stop." (Stop at 120)
Part B: Writing Numbers
Provide a blank grid. "Can you write the numbers starting at 101 up to 110?"
© 2026 Math Navigator System | MA Curriculum Framework Reference
Math Navigator Tools Base Ten & Data Tools
1st Grade Assessment Manipulatives
Navigator Assessment Support
Tool A
120 Number Navigator (1.NBT.1)
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Teacher Note: Use this chart to assess counting patterns and mental math (10 more/10 less).
Tool B
Tens & Ones Comparison (1.NBT.3)
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2
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4
Compare using <, >, =
Tool C
Partitioning Navigator (1.G.3)
Halves
Fourths / Quarters
Tool D
Time Navigator (1.MD.3)
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9
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__:__
Identify time to the
hour and half-hour.