Lines, Digits and Bears, Oh My!

We hope you had a wonderful winter vacation.  We missed you!

On to a little math update:

We have been counting our Days of School, using a growing number chart. As we learn to count by tens, twos and fives, we reference these numbers using this chart and others. We also use this chart to compare a number to others, using the terms “bigger than” or “smaller than.” This both reinforces number decoding and relative value. Initially, we compared single digits and teens. We are now moving into larger numbers. I can't wait until we get to 100!

Before vacation, we began to learn number writing. Using the Handwriting without Tears method applied to the Everyday Math numbers, students have been using their bodies and their pencils to write “in the school way, using proper handwriting position.” What a great job they are doing!

We are also quite good at adding and subtracting numbers using recited number stories: “I have 7 apples. My mother gave me 3 more. Now how many apples do I have?” Students often use fingers to help; when the numbers are larger than ten, we have learned how to have a friend help. (Ask your child/ren how we can count tricky teens on our fingers!) We will soon begin solving number stories using dice, little plastic bears, and other manipulatives.

In the coming weeks, we will continue to explore patterns, continue our introduction to probability, and figuring out and sorting rules and objects according to multiple attributes.

Lines, Digits and Bears oh my, indeed!