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Schools and Education General Discussion
Reply to "math help at home"
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[quote=Anonymous]I’m not sure of what level of math help you’re looking for, OP. This is some generic advice that I think might apply to most 1st graders. If your child is having specific problems, let me know, and I may be able to offer some suggestions. On the other hand, if your kid is especially enthusiastic about math and/or advanced, I have several additional recommendations I can offer. (Most of this I copied from another recent post I had made, which is why masculine pronouns are used below, even though your original post did not indicate gender.) Does he know his basic facts (addition/subtraction)? While it’s important to focus on conceptual understanding, memorization of basic facts is also critical. If he doesn’t know them automatically, I think the best way to learn them is with an app/computer game. I know screens are anathema to DCUM, but I tend to think they’re just another form of media that should be judged by their content. In this case, I think they’re the most efficient method for memorizing math facts. Not only do they provide instant feedback, they also motivate the child to practice more. Does he know how to count money? I think money is one of the best tools for elementary math instruction. It teaches addition/subtraction, place value, introduces multiplication and decimals. If he is comfortable with money, play “store” with him (you can get play money) and you might consider giving him an allowance (in change). If he doesn’t know how to count money yet, let me know and I can explain a method that may be helpful. Play games with him. All games have some math component, whether it’s counting moves, keeping score, using logic and spatial/geometrical reasoning, etc. Some games, like Monopoly and Sleeping Queens have more direct math components. Sleeping Queens is actually a fun card game that can reinforce addition, but I wouldn’t depend on it to learn the math facts in the first place. A math word game is Buzz. Players agree to a math rule/set of rules to use before each round. Then the players take turns counting, substituting the word buzz for each numbrr that fits the rule. If you buzz the wrong number, or don't buzz the right one, you're out. Ex. Odd Numbers Buzz, 2, buzz, 4, buzz, etc. Numbers that have 3 in them or multiples of 3 1, 2, buzz, 4, 5, buzz, 7, 8, buzz, 10, 11, buzz, buzz, 14, buzz, 16, . . .,29, buzz, buzz, buzz, . . . 40, etc. The great thing about this game is can be adapted to any math level. When my kids got older their rules involved perfect squares and Fibonacci numbers. Let him help you in the kitchen. Cooking (especially baking) is marvelous for fractions. Even cutting a PBJ can seamlessly incorporate fraction practice without being a math chore. Cyberchase is a fantastic PBS show that explains math concepts in an entertaining way and then shows how they apply to the real world. I think more recent episodes may focus on other subjects, but you can find earlier shows here. https://pbskids.org/cyberchase/videos Crafts are also excellent for math. Calculating supplies, measuring, etc. You might consider getting him a yardstick/tape measure, a timer (you can checkout The Guinness Book of World Records from the library and then let him try to set his own personal records for the family), or an analog learning watch like these: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=analog+learning+watch+for+kids&crid=3KCDVCFKGWBQS&sprefix=analog+learning+watch%2Caps%2C87&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker_1_21 Basically, math is in EVERYTHING. Anything he does can probably give him a chance to practice math. Just keep the focus on the fun of the activity and don’t turn it into another math assignment. [/quote]
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