This title sounds like what kids yell when they get the right answer! Perhaps that is why PBS chose this as it’s title for the math initiative it is launching to support the development of early math skills for children between the ages of two to eight years old, and their parents. Research has shown that developing number sense in the early elementary grades is a good predictor of later success in higher level mathematics.  We know this about kids.  PBS recently did a survey with...

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David J. Whitin and Sandra Wilde wrote the book titled, Read Any Good Math Lately?  This is a resource I find myself referring back to now and again to grab a good book to use with a particular unit or group of students.  Children LOVE to be read aloud to in my experience.  It doesn’t feel like they are doing WORK!  Reading is such a great springboard for math thinking and language acquisition.  We often stop to try one of the problems on the page or use the ideas...

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Our children are well on their way to becoming life long problem solvers.  This month they will continue to work on story problems within the curriculum.  They will also have the opportunity to explore their number sense and reason with one hundred.  We look forward to celebrating the 100th Day in many mathematical ways!   Below I have included the habits of mind or math thinking skills that are being asked of our students. These “I can” practice standards...

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January is often the time for conversation around resolutions and personal/family goals. Children may wonder if resolutions are goals that are applicable to them. Getting your child talking about and interested in academic goals is a win/win! Children in K�]2 need to develop fact fluency in addition and subtraction. The expectations are different for each grade level. Kindergartners should know their +/�] facts through five, Grade One through 10, and Second Grade through 20.   Where to...

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As I look through my growing list of information and tips I’d like to share, I am reminded about timing.  Children, like the rest of us, are more open to learning new things or persevering with difficult tasks when they are in an open or relaxed state.As our children and family’s task list grows, keep in mind the following advice I gleaned from reading Mel Levine’s, The Source for Learning and Memory Strategies.  Mel speaks about so many strategies.  For December,...

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It was a pleasure having the opportunity to “talk math” with so many of you during our Parent Math Night. There are so many tools available to reinforce math facts, skills, and concepts. Our school webpage is one good starting point.  In the October news, I highlighted some free apps to consider.   This month, check out the site www.illuminations.nctm.org.  It has a wide array of activities for home or school use. Once there, click on activities, select pre K - 2 (or...

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Our staff and students are working with the depth and rigor of the Common Core Curriculum.  As you know our schools have adopted the GOMATH program as a curriculum tool to help our students develop their math thinking and practice.   We will have a parent math night, October 24th, at the Freeman-Kennedy from 7:00-8:30pm, to share student expectations and curriculum information with you.In the meantime, teachers and students are getting practice using the technology pieces associated...

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Our children have grown in so many ways this year.  It has been a pleasure seeing their confidence and competence in mathematics develop.  Children of this age are often curious about numbers and all things math.  Their own natural interest in numbers can provide wonderful springboards as parents and educators for furthering their mathematical discoveries.  As the summer approaches, children enthusiastically count down to the last day!  Summer provides a great opportunity...

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In the computer lab, our H.O.D. students will be working on their math assessments through the use of our Acuity program.  This year we incorporated technology through a web based program of teacher generated assessments, designed to provide data on our students’ performance toward grade level math benchmarks. In addition, the Acuity program has been used to provide opportunities for ongoing math practice, reinforcement of concepts, and cumulative review.  I look forward to continuing...

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This month our students are working with fractions, discovering symmetry, building 3D shapes, and spying them in everyday objects.  It can become difficult with the growing schedule of extra curricula and sport commitments this month to find time to fit in the additional activities and games that enrich our children’s learning and cultivate their enthusiasm for math.  Stories at bedtime continue to be a great avenue for placing math in context.  Check our local libraries for...

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There is always quite a buzz around math vocabulary.  Children need to be exposed to math language in meaningful ways.  Some math terms are already high frequency words in our homes.  How many times during the day do you use the word time?   What time is it? It’s time to wake up? You’re wasting time. Be sure to get there on time. How many times have I told you? It’s lunchtime. You get the idea.  Famous quotes can be included as well: Take...

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February Math FactsGet your child’s attention with this joke, “What goes up and never comes down?” The answer is: Addition.  Great starting point for reinforcing that learning strategies for solving math facts and subsequently mastering facts to 10 and 20 are goals for first and second students.  Practicing turn around facts, doubles, doubles plus or minus one, ten, and near ten facts are great ways to frame facts practice at home.  Simple dice, card, and domino...

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Happy New YearTime is a natural element of conversation this month.  Kids are curious about the change to the year 2012.  They have questions about what’s the next holiday.  Thinking perhaps in terms of a vacation day or celebration.  This is the perfect time to include your child in your family’s weekly schedule or month at a glance planning. Have them write in their activities. Create some math talk around these types of family events this month.  You...

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Santa is not the only one thinking about budgets and money this month. Our HOD second graders are busy making change from a dollar and our first graders are practicing counting mixed coins. Incorporating the strategy of counting up by tens, then adding the smaller number increments is helpful.  Getting that overall estimate or sense of about how much money is a great first step. Including your child in the process of estimating the cost of items at the grocery store or on your holiday gift...

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November is a time for counting our blessings. Now, since I’m speaking as a math specialist I mean literally. Meaningful math activities fall naturally around the dinner table. Perhaps you will be sharing a meal with family and friends this month. Invite your child to help determine how many place settings or sets of silverware will be needed for the group. At the grocery store, share your thinking about how many pounds of turkey you will need for the meal. Use the scale to...

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