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Zero Step (for newborns – kids under 3 months old, all other kids should start at
the First Step) – dot cards that are very-very large: 15″x15″, with black, very bold
dots 1.5″ in diameter. Begin with one card, show it for 10-15 seconds and hold it
absolutely still to give him a chance to focus on it. On a first day show “one” dot
card 10 times, on second show “two” dot card 10 times; proceed for 7 days with
different cards 10 times each day. Repeat for the following two weeks: so, for the
first three weeks you show “one” dot on Mondays, “two” on Tuesdays… On
week 4: chose dot cards 8-14 and cycle each of them 10 times a day for the
following three weeks (card “eight” on Mondays, card “nine” on Tuesdays, etc.)
Continue with this pattern until tiny infant is seeing detail consistently and easily
(around twelve weeks or later). Chose the correct time of the day: when the baby
is in a good mood. Once you realize your infant can see the detail clearly, proceed
to step one.
2. First Step – Quantity Recognition
Teaching your child to to perceive actual numbers, which are true value of
numerals – 5 dot cards 1-100. 2 sets of 5 cards each, three times a day each set.
3. Second Step – Equations
Start after you’ve showed first 20 cards for First Step.
Don’t test, continue introducing new quantities, i.e. dot cards, (until you reach
100), and add sessions with simple equations: 2+2=4, 5+11=16. Avoid
predictable equations: 1+2=3; 1+3=4; 1+4=5. After two weeks of different
addition equations, do subtractions, followed by multiplication and division (at
two week intervals of 3 sessions of equations per day).
4. Third Step – Problem Solving
You have completed First Step (showing dot cards), and First Step (simple
Equations).
Progress onto more sophisticated three step equations, e.g: 2×2x3=12.
“You are still extraordinary giving and completely non-demanding” (GD, Math,
p. 125)- you haven’t done any testing. “The Purpose of problem-solving
opportunity is for a the child to be able to demonstrate what he knows if he wishes
to do so. It is exactly the opposite of the test.” (GD, Math, p. 126). You can do it
at the end of the session.
o Hold two cards and ask where is 22 (always offer options!)
“This is a good opportunity for a baby to look at or touch teh card if he
wishes to do so.” If he does, make a big fuss. If he doesn’t, simply say,
“This is 32″ and, “This is fifteen.” (GD, Math, p. 127).
o Give a simple equation and then hold two dot cards for him to chose the
result of the equation. Again, always offer options, and if your child
doesn’t want to show a card, simply and upbeat say it yourself.
After a few weeks of these equations, make them even more fun: combine
addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, but don’t mix the pairs e.g.
40+15-30=25, not 4+2*7.
After a few weeks, add another term to the equations: 56+20-4-4=68.
You can further progress onto:
3. Sequences
4. Greater then and less then
5. Equalities and inequalities
6. Number personality
7. Fractions
8. Simple algebra
5. Fourth Step – Numeral Recognition
11×11 poster board with numerals written in large, red, felt-tipped marker: 6″ tall
by 3″ wide.
Combine numbers with dots: 12 greater then dot card of 7; dot card of 12=12
(number)
6. Fifth Step – Equations with numerals
Make 18″x4″ poster board cards for equations with numerals: 25+5=30;
115×3x2×5 not equals 2,500; 458 divided by 2 minus 229.
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Resources
How to Teach your Baby Math Kit: collection of dot cards, that gets you through
Steps 1-3. Cards for equals or not equals, or for numerals you have to do by
yourself.
Perla Adams, the Classical Mommy, has a PowerPoint presentations with dots,
dots and numbers and even some equations – you can print it on a card stock
paper, or even show them on the computer: Teaching Quantity. Her presentations
can help you cover the steps 1-4 and are absolutely FREE! Thanks, Perla, for
another wonderful job!!
Your Smart Baby Newborn Program Kit: collection of initial cards for the infant,
including 10 dot cards (though you probably need more then that – at least 21!),
that gets you through Step 0.
FREE Matthew Hudson’s Doman plugin for Microsoft PowerPoint: terrific plugin
that allows you to go through Step 1, 2, some of Step 3 (only two step equations:
15*2=30), step 4, and some of Step 5 (again, only two step equations and
numbers are not that big). Plugin also contains a randomizer for your
Encyclopedic knowledge words and even a word generator. I personally can’t
imagine my son’s program without this wonderful plugin.
Prodigy Math/Reader for Infants and Toddlers by Geenogee: this is an
inexpensive program that helps you through steps 1 and 3. It does get you a little
further then Matt’s plugin – it allows 3 and 4 step equations (12/6×35=70), it
allows student management, it remembers and reminders you to show the
presentations certain number of times per day, tells you how many lessonettes are
left for that day. Similarly to Doman, once you get to equations, it just throws a
tiny pop up window with the equation, showing only the result dot card on the
screen. Not bad, but I wish it could actually offer the entire program: inequalities,
sequences, etc. It has numbers, but they are so small… and I haven’t discovered
any ways to enlarge numbers, or how to make them red (if you have, please
comment below or email me directly!) It’s a pity, that nobody does it! On the
other side, same CD contains Prodigy Reader – similar software to teach your kid
to read (see more about it at Teach Your Child with Multimedia).
Our Encyclopedic Knowledge Math section contains some presentations (even
with sounds) in English, Russian and Spanish that can aid your math learning and
make it more fun.
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5 Fun Ways to Teach Subtraction: What
is the Difference?
The key to teaching subtraction so most students understand and retain the information they are
learning is to make it real. A real connection is the cornerstone of learning, because when a student
internalizes the concept they have learned it - not before. Worksheets are only good in rote
memorization of a math concept and math facts, which is good on a certain level - some mental
math applications. However to truly memorize a math concept, a students needs to understand it
first.
The road to learning subtraction is pitted with sinkholes full of students who could never make the
connection of subtraction and what it all means to them. We all know that the opposite of
subtraction is addition and common strategy is to subtract through addition. This method is used for
learning subtraction, for example "36 minus 12 is 24" or "12 plus 24 is 36." Great the student just
proved that he/she can memorize, however does the student really understand? Students need to
understand first, if they are to learn.
Let's look at five fun ways to teach division that will prove a student understands subtraction.
One way is to use an interactive online computer game that involves critical thinking skills to
develop a greater understanding of subtraction. One website that has such an interactive game is
located on the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_155_g_3_t_1.html website. This game uses Base Ten
Blocks to model separation of groups. Students have the option of using computer generated groups
or creating their own subtraction groups. If they can create their own groups, then they have just
demonstrated internalization of the concept. This interactive base ten block game has variations for
grades K-8.
Another fun way to learn subtraction is to use different colored blocks. Have the students place 100
colored blocks in a container. Then have them remove 31 and ask them how many are left? This
allows them to visualize the difference after the removing 31 blocks. Ask them to explain which are
the minuend, subtrahend, and difference. This gives them a better understanding besides using the
standard worksheet subtraction problem. Students will find this fun and a lot less boring than
worksheets.
A third way is to subtract the number of days until the students' birthday, end of school year,
or until a holiday break. This provides students with real world examples of how they can use
subtraction everyday, while making it personal. The fun part is counting down the days until a
special occasion.
A fourth fun way to teach subtraction is to have a simulated store. Students can buy things using
play money and they have to subtract the cost of an item from the money presented to purchase it.
This also provides a real world application for learning how to subtract. A different version is
giving each student $10 and has them purchase as many items as they can with the $10. To make it
challenging they are not allowed to use calculators or pencil and paper - only their minds. This is a
perfect use of a mental math subtraction exercise that has real world applications.
A fifth way to have fun when teaching subtraction is to use windup cars. Two cars are placed on the
floor at a given start point. Students are given stop watches to time how long it takes each car to go
a selected distance. Next they have to determine the difference between the two times. Have them
identify the minuend, subtrahend, and difference. You should use several cars that travel the
distance at different times for a connection for calculating speed and other math applications.
Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids Math
Children are like sponges. They absorb every bit of information that is given to them, especially if it
is presented in a fun and easy to learn way. It’s never too early to begin teaching the concepts of
math to your children. Opportunities for math abound in our everyday lives. Once you begin to
notice them, you’ll soon be guilty of seeing math in everything you do!
Story time with your child is an excellent starting point. Virtually any book that you choose to read
will have countless opportunities for math discussion. If you are reading ‘The Three Little Pigs’, don’t
just breeze through it. Make sure that you stop on every page and give your child time to absorb
the pictures. Ask questions about what they see, but be sure to offer constant encouragement even
if they give an incorrect answer. The key to learning is to constantly provide a positive experience.
By doing this, your child will always be eager to learn. As you look at the pictures with them, ask
questions such as, “How many pigs do you see on this page?” or “How many apples are on this
tree?” If your child seems stuck, happily count out loud for them. As a general rule, count
everything you see, literally. You can count the stairs as you climb them, or the socks as you are
taking them out of the dryer together. The opportunities are endless. Is your child a picky eater?
Try saying, “Just take five more bites and you will be done”, and then of course count them out.
Playing capacity games while you are cooking is both educational and extremely fun. Your child will
love pouring liquids from one container to another. Prepare them for learning measurements by
asking them which container can hold more or less, and by letting them handle the different
measuring cups, spoons, etc. Amaze them by doing special tricks, like pouring a cup full of cereal
into a measuring cup, then crushing it and then presenting the new compressed, much smaller
measurement.
Playing pattern games helps prepare your child for the concepts they will need to grasp in school. If
your child eats Fruit Loops or M&M’s, help arrange them in different colored rows. After this is
mastered, put down a pattern, such as one green M&M, one red M&M, and then one more green
M&M. Ask your child to show you what color comes next. You can play pattern games with colored
clothespins, different shaped blocks, colored socks, etc. The more you play this game with your
child, the more variations of the game you will discover.
Play subtraction games at snack time. If your child likes goldfish crackers, you can draw a fish bowl
on a piece of paper. Place ten or twelve goldfish crackers on the paper so they are ‘in the fish bowl’.
Have your child count them at the beginning and then tell you how many are left every time they
eat one, or two, or three. This will teach your child the basic concept of subtraction while providing
them with a fun snack time experience.
Regardless of what approach you take to incorporate math in your child’s life, realize that you are
laying a foundation for their future interest or indifference to the subject. Keep it simple, don’t
stress, and remember to move on to something else as soon as your child loses interest. Learning is
fun, and helping your child to enjoy early learning experiences in a playful manner is one of the best
gifts you can give them.
(ArticlesBase SC #697592)
Math instruction becomes more academic, too. Lessons are more structured, and there are
new facts to master. But unlike math classes of days past, when 1st graders were given
rules and facts to memorize and then practiced endlessly on worksheets, today's best
teachers emphasize experiences that deepen and strengthen kids' understanding of the
ideas behind the computations.
Focus on Sums
Shortcuts to Learning
Money, Time, and More
Focus on Sums
First grade teachers may spend half the year or more on addition and subtraction. Most
states have standards that aim for all 1st graders to know the addition facts, and
corresponding subtraction facts, for sums to 20. But before kids can master these basics,
they need to understand the nature of adding and taking away. Subtraction tends to be a
concept that is especially difficult to comprehend. "There should be a lot of time spent on
experiencing and understanding what the operations mean," says Cathy Seeley, President
of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. "If you introduce the rules when a
subject is only partially set in a child's mind, he'll become confused."
To that end, teachers use objects and games and challenge their first graders to think
creatively about numbers. They may show children a group of objects and ask them, "How
many ways can we make 6?" and together come up with 2 and 4, 3 and 3, 1 and 5, and 6
and 0. They will teach "fact families," a term for using the inverse relationship between
addition and subtraction to solve problems. For example, 5, 4 and 9 is a fact family. If 5
plus 4 equals 9, then 9 take away 5 must equal 4.
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Shortcuts to Learning
Most 1st grade teachers employ little tricks to help kids master addition and subtraction.
They'll grab almost any object to show how to get 3 and 6 to make 9. They generally won't
suggest counting on fingers, which can become a tough-to-break habit later. But they have
other time-tested learning aids, such as making tally marks with pencil and paper (a series
of parallel lines, with the fifth line in every "bundle" crossing the other lines diagonally),
and counting forward for addition and backward for subtraction.
Knowing the sum of doubles, like 8 plus 8, and learning to skip-count (count every other
number) is another shortcut. Many teachers encourage 1st graders to memorize their
doubles up to 20, and to be able to count by 2's, 5's, and 10's to 100. For example, if your
child knows instinctively that 8 plus 8 is 16, he simply has to add one to know the answer
to 8 plus 9.
Once the concept of adding and subtracting has clicked, kids need to gain fluency.
Teachers play fun games that take advantage of the growing importance of peers in first
grade. My son's teacher plays a game called "four corners." Kids rotate through four
different math centers in which they play different games. In the first, they take turns
showing each other subtraction flash cards; in the second, they roll dice and add the two
numbers that appear; in the third they use cards with fact families and try to create as
many addition and subtraction facts as they can; in the fourth, they practice addition with
flash cards. "Emotional and social interactions are so important to first graders," says Addie
Fasulo, a 1st grade teacher at Brookdale Avenue School in Verona, New Jersey. "Pairing
children together is a great way to motivate them to learn math."
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Your child will also learn about place value, which provides the foundation for learning to
"carry over" or "regroup" when adding or subtracting multiple-digit numbers. To help kids
understand the concept of the 1's, 10's and 100's place, a common strategy is to use a
bundle of straws or Popsicle sticks to represent each place. For instance, to show 24 in
Popsicle sticks, you'd put 4 sticks in the "ones" bundle and 2 in the "tens" bundle.
Money is also part of the 1st grade curriculum. A valuable skill in and of itself, it is also a
hands-on way to practice adding and subtracting and understand place value. Your child
will learn to exchange dimes for pennies and count and make change, perhaps in a pretend
classroom store.
Other continuing math concepts include telling time to the nearest half-hour, recognizing
shapes, reading thermometers, and using measuring tools, such as rulers. You can also
expect your child to do elementary algebra with addition and subtraction problems that
involve figuring out which part of the equation is missing, rather than the sum. (Eddie had
14 balloons. Some floated away. He had 5 left. How many did he lose?) He'll learn to
organize and compare data, estimate, and continue patterns. Perhaps most vitally, he'll
learn the "why" behind his answers, and get in the habit of explaining his reasoning. Even
though some parents may be eager for their kids to push ahead to regrouping and other
higher-level math skills, teachers realize that these concepts will come more easily when
they're built on a solid understanding of the basics.
How to Teach Subtraction
How Do I Teach Subtraction
to My Child?
As one of the most important math applications around, subtraction is a fun skill needed
in everyday situations. Teachers recommend the following strategies to help you teach
subtraction to your child at home:
Still can't find what you were looking for? Check the related pages for
how to teach subtraction:
Teach Kids to Read
I Need Help Finding Subtraction Problems
Subtraction Games
How to Teach Kids
Teach Kids Math
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