Math Masters

We have been working hard on many important math standards this quarter under the domain of "Operations and Algebraic Thinking."  We have been exploring the properties of addition.  The students are able to make fact families when given three related numbers (2+3=5, 3+2=5, 5-2=3, 5-3=2).  With the understanding of addition properties, we are able to meet some other standards as well.  For example, students have to be able determine the unknown number in an addition or subtraction sentence relating to three whole numbers.  In the partner game below, the first graders are doing just that.  They have to figure out where the number tiles go in the different equations.  The first player to fill up their side of the game board wins.

We have also been working hard at understanding that the = sign means "the same as" in equations.  We compared the equal sign to a balance and determined if certain equations were true or false.  Finally, this quarter, we have spent time daily developing fact fluency and strategies for addition and subtraction.  Such an important math foundational skill.

There are so many fun ways to practice developing fact fluency.  Here are some awesome apps we love in class.  Quick Math for $1.99, students have to write the answer on the ipad.  This app increases in difficulty and includes multiplication and division.  If you have older students it is excellent for them as well.  Math Bingo ($1.99), in this app the children are so busy playing that they don't even realize how much math practice they are getting.  Check out Addimals (free), it goes through different addition strategies.  Last, I recommend Add and Subtract within 20 ($0.99), this app works on missing numbers in equations.

 Don't have an iphone or ipad?  Here are a couple links to interactive web games that work on fact fluency.  They even have a winter theme!

 Snowball Fight

 Build A Snowman

We are so lucky to have the opportunity to use ipads in our classroom.  With all the important math objectives we have covered, the ipads give students the opportunity to get tons of practice at each child's optimal level and receive immediate feedback on their progress.  As we have been working on objectives in the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain, we have been using a program called Front Row.  We have a class account on Front Row.  Students log in using their ipad with our class code.  The app gives them a pretest under the domain we are working on and then has the students practice the skills each individual student needs to master the domain.  While on Front Row, students are being challenged at their exact level.  On skills that require more practice, the students are given that targeted practice and video tutorials.  When students need more of a challenge, they are moved up.  Of course, I am still teaching the skills whole group, but this program enhances what we are learning in class.

Even better, Front Row is available on the ipad and the computer.  You can get to the site by clicking on Front Row.  Then, log in with your child's first and last name and our class code is flnuvy.  Then click on the domain you want to practice.  Right now, we are working on the domain that is colored black in the program: Counting and Cardinality, Algebraic Thinking.  Next quarter, we will focus more on Numbers in Base Ten if you want to use Front Row to work ahead.

The last screen before you begin practicing the math has a blue box and green box.  Select the blue box, adaptive practice, so that your child is practicing at his/her level.  Since each child has his/her own identity under our class account, any practice they do at home or at school is recorded.  I can see areas of strength and places I need to work with them more on.