I think it's time for a math update. The number sense unit we are working on is a big one, and, like all math strands, will be built upon in future grades, so we want to make sure we do a good job! There are 3 major parts to this unit: skip-counting, adding & subtracting and working with coins. We have been alternating between these different areas for variety and to keep things moving forward.
We have already developed some helpful strategies for adding numbers up to 20 and are building a strategy chart that we can refer to. We have strategies for adding with '0', '1', '10' (kind of) and any number doubled. We also talked briefly about a 'doubles +1' strategy (e.g., 5 + 6... we know 5 + 5 = 10, so just add 1 more). We have discovered that when we write down the results of doubles questions (1+1, 2+2, 3+3 etc.) it makes a pattern, counting by 2. It would be very helpful to have the doubles facts memorized so that we can use them as jumping-off points for harder questions.
We have practiced skip-counting by 2, 5, 10 and backwards by 2 from twenty (a calendar is helpful). Skip-counting is a great introduction to repeated addition and multiplication.
We have also practiced using and adding pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters through fun activities like buying objects from a pretend store. The children have been challenged to figure out how to pay using the smallest amount of coins possible, to select two things they can pay for using a single coin, and to see how many different ways they can make one money amount (e.g., what are 4 different ways to make 10¢?).
There are tons of simple activities you can do at home to help your child practice these skills. They don't take long, and can be done while you're multi-tasking! Here are some of my ideas, but feel free to come up with your own. I find that when I make myself think about it, I find teachable moments in all kinds of situations (especially at the grocery store!).
- draw playing cards and add both numbers
- roll dice and add both numbers (or 3 numbers!)
- make piles of candies which need to be added before they can be eaten
- dump out your change and have your expert add it all up
- count up all your socks by skip-counting by 2
- toss a ball back and forth asking a question each time, or counting by 5 with each toss
- use an addition sentence each time you would have said a number (e.g., "you must eat 9 + 9 peas")
- asking your child to count all the marbles in the jar (and then sort them into groups of 10)
- if you're paying in change, let your child help you count out the right amount
- make up a story with numbers (e.g., Matt is 26 years old. Darcy is 2 years younger than Matt. How old is Darcy?)
- see if your expert can make up a math story for YOU! (we haven't done this yet)
Happy adding!
In language this week, we started the story-planning process. First, we took apart a story (Le Dragon de Mimi) that we read, identifying the 2 characters, what they are like, where they live, and the beginning, middle and end of the story. Then, we started inventing our own unique characters, drawing and naming them, and writing down a few things about them. Next week we will start to plan out how the story starts, what the big problem is, and how it is resolved in the end. Ask your writer what they have thought about so far! They can definitely tell you about their 2 characters, and which one they built during art time.
As I have been late posting the last couple words of the week, I'll attach next week's words now JUST to make extra sure I don't forget on Monday! You can get a head start this weekend.
The words for next week are:
J’ai froid. (NOT Je suis froid.)
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J’ai mal au dos.
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J’ai raison.
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J’ai mal aux pieds.
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J’ai tort.
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Je n’ai pas mal aux pieds!
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J’ai faim.
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J’ai fini.
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J’ai soif.
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J’ai un chat.
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