Mathematics With Your Child

TEACH ME SO I CAN DO IT MYSELF

Mathematics is a process for communicating data, and a study of patterns and order. Math plays a special part in education because of its relevance to daily life. It has its own vocabulary and children need to know the meaning of these words to fully understand the different concepts of Math. During Grade 1, we focus on students developing an understanding in:

A flexible way to think about numbers.

Number Sense

Operations such as: adding, subtracting and estimation

Computation

Makes connections to real life experiences Has an understanding of Place Value Makes sense of and can explain what numbers mean Orders and compares numbers Counts numbers by 1,2,5,10s etc.

Uses manipulatives to explain thinking Tells stories to explain what the symbols of addition and subtraction mean

Measurement
Using standard and non-standard tools to compare, measure and estimate.

Patterns
Finding commonalities to help solve problems

Uses tools to estimate and compare weight and length Uses a clock to tell the time on an analog clock Uses a calendar to explain days, weeks, months and years Knows, compares and exchanges money Identifies, reads and compares temperatures using a thermometer

Extend, describe and create concrete and number patterns Reads, writes and explains symbols accurately

Shapes
Compares the properties of shapes all around us

Knows and describes 2-D and 3-D shapes Creates symmetrical designs

HOW CAN I HELP AT HOME?

Talk them through it
Although its tempting to give children answers when theyre confused, they learn more if you help them discover the answers for themselves. Try doing this with questions such as these: _ Have you seen problems like this before? Is there an example anywhere that might help? _ What is the problem asking you to do or to find? _ Whats one idea you have for finding an answer? _ Can you draw a picture of the problem? Can you use objects (like coins, beans, and so on) to show the problem?

Be accepting of mistakes

Let your child know that every mistake is an opportunity to learn. When your child makes a mistake, ask him or her to explain how he or she arrived at the answer, give praise for the correct steps or thinking, and gently point out where the error occurred. Then have your child try a similar problem (you may have to make one up) to practice the new understanding.

Play math games

Games your child brings home from school or store-bought games that involve mathematical thinking will help your child master skills. Ask your child to teach you games learned in the classroom such as: Top It (Addition, Subtraction, High or Lower, etc), Rolling for 100 or even puzzles!

Share real-life math situations

Think about the ways you use math in your everyday life at work, at the store, at the bank, in the kitchen, and so on. Invite your child to observe or participate in these activities with you. Encourage your child to think mathematically about common activities, such as folding laundry or taking out the garbage. How many socks are in 12 pairs? About how much change will we get when we pay?

Use and translate vocabulary

Use the language of math in your daily life. If you speak more than one language at home, translate the English names of shapes or numbers into your home language. Helping your child to understand math vocabulary and how to talk about the concepts in your home language is very important in developing both math and language skills. We can do the English part at school, but we have to leave the home language learning up to you.

Use technology

These days kids are more tech savvy then we are as adults. Math is a perfect way to use this to our advantage! The ipad has all sorts of applications such as Sum Stacker and Math Bingo. Look on the classroom blogs for information, links and ideas. There are also various free websites that promote Mathematical Literacy such as:

http://www.ictgames.com http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Interactive.aspx?cat=11 http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com

The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.~ Author Unknown