When Did Counting Get So Tricky ?!

Hi All!

Welcome to another week of mathematics! If you seem to be scratching your head over some of your child's homework, you are NOT alone! Topics as simple as counting, number sense and basic operations can seem really difficult if you learned a different way! I understand how challenging it can be to help your child complete their homework if you are having trouble understanding the concepts yourself. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP! I have provided one of the workbook pages from Chapter 3 and a visual for your reference. In these step-by-step visuals, I created different scenarios for each number pair (ex: 4+2=6 OR 3+3=6).

Lets look at the worksheet here:

Here we are given the "ten frame" or two rows of 5 boxes. Most people find it easiest to recognize sets of 5 in two rows, therefore we will use the "ten frame" to teach counting and basic operations.

The directions ask that you use two-color counters to model the different ways to make "6". This requires your child to use a hands on approach, and physically manipulate the counters in order to come up with an answer.

Now let's take a look at the first example I have demonstrated:

Here, we see 5 yellow counters in the first row, and 1 pink counter in the second row. When counting all together, we can see 6. Encourage your child to talk out loud as they are counting and placing each yellow and pink counter. Count along with your child as they place each counter down on the page. 

The next example provided shows another way to make 6:

Here, we see 3 yellow counters and 3 pink counters placed in the "ten frame". As you are going through this worksheet with your child, remember that wrong answers or multiple attempts are always encouraged and used to teach!

Here is another way to make 6 with the yellow and pink counters:

and finally, we can make 6 without using any pink counters at all. 6 yellow counters and 0 pink counters, still make 6!

It is important to teach students the model and count method as it is going to be the foundation for all future math lessons. When we teach counting and modeling as it is shown here, we are building upon what they already know and can do with ease. If students can count to 6 by modeling this way, they will have a much easier time learning addition. For example, if you can make 6 with 4 yellow counters and 2 pink counters, you can add 4+2=6 ! Using hands on approaches such as the one above can help your child visualize and work out concepts as they go.

Still confused?! Here is a great video tutorial explaining Model and Count from Chapter 3! 

http://www.showme.com/sh/?h=aczzmXQ

Good luck and remember to have FUN :)

Math is NOT just for boys!

It's a tale as old as time! "Boys are better in math and science and girls excel in reading and language arts". FALSE! Parents, it is time to prove this theory wrong. Our girls need to be encouraged and motivated in ALL content areas, including math! How can we help our girls feel confident and excited in mathematics? It is an issue I feel very passionately about, and I want to provide some helpful resources for you as well.

Please take a few moments to read this interesting and encouraging article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/26/girls-math-performance_n_2767432.html

Enriching Mathematics

Hi all!

Welcome to another exciting week in math! As we begin to dive deeper into the school year, students will be presented with new and sometimes, challenging content. As their teacher, I want to ensure that your child will feel comfortable, motivated, and confident in learning this new content and many new skills. As parents, I know that much of the content which is new for your child, might also be new for you! The world of math has evolved, and it can be pretty overwhelming! This week, I will be providing you with some helpful resources which you can use with or without your child. These sites are designed for students, so as you are browsing the pages, keep in mind this is how your child is learning and practicing new concepts.

I urge you to try a few of the activities, and see how you feel. Please keep in mind this blog is designed to help YOU help your child. I will do my best to respond to any emails and questions! I want this experience to be exciting for both you and your child!

The link I have provided this week is a great website designed for both students AND teachers. I found the "teacher tab" to be more helpful for parents. It gives you a better idea of how I am delivering content and strategies you can try with your child. Many of the activities under the "teacher tab" model what we work on in class!

Good Luck and remember, have FUN :)

Helpful Strategies for Problem Solving

This week in Math class, we are focusing on problem solving. Problem solving is an important topic that should be used in all subject areas, not only in mathematics. There are many different approaches and strategies which will help students learn to solve problems independently throughout the entire course of their educational careers! This week in class, we will be focusing on the important steps needed to solve a problem, from beginning to end. 

How Can I Help?

Students should be interested in finding out "why?" when being asked to solve a problem. If your child does not understand why they need to solve the problem, or how they came up with an answer, it will be a much more difficult concept to teach. Allowing students to search for solutions, ask questions, and resolve problems on their own will reinforce this skill. Encouraging your child to try new strategies and prompting them with questions will help build their confidence and think independently. There have been several models created to help teach problem solving. I have provided a simple model below that students will be using during class.

My hope is that using this model as a "check list" and reading each step out loud with your child will help slow down their thinking process and visualize a mental image of the problem. 

Watch This!

Click on the video to hear a catchy song that you and your child can sing together! 

Be sure to check out the new worksheets provided on the home page for some extra practice :) 

What's happening in math class this week?

In class this week, we will be learning how to use a variety of different strategies to solve 2 digit addition problems. Students are working very hard to solve addition problems with partners, in small groups, and individually, using each method. One of the methods we practiced in class this week, was the Base 10 Model for addition.

Using the Base 10 Model 

When solving 2 digit addition problems, there are many different strategies we can use in order to come up with the correct answer. The Base 10 Model uses blocks to represent place value. The rods  represent "tens" and the cubes represent "ones".  Below you can see a simple 2 digit addition problem solved by using the Base 10 Model. 

Lets take a look!

Using manipulatives such as these base 10 blocks, can be beneficial for visual and hands on learners. It helps students bring the numbers on their paper to life. This method has been successful in the classroom for students, not to mention they are having fun working with partners to solve problems this way!

Want to see this in action?

Here is a video demonstrating how to use the Base 10 model with manipulatives. 

It's playtime! 

Don't forget to check out the latest educational games provided in the side bar. These are great ways for you and your child to become more familiar with content and have fun learning math :)


This week, since we are practicing addition using base ten models, I have added "BASE 10 BINGO" and "BASE 10 FUN" for your child to have some fun with!