More About Math

At student led conferences, a few parents had some terrific questions about math.  Several parents were curious about how the children are solving double digit addition.  First, please know before we began adding double digits we spent a lot of time on place value concepts and mental math.  In fact, the students have such great numbers sense that most students can add double digits in their heads.  It is quite phenomenal.  Below is a quick video tutorial explaining the methods we have discussed in class.  Give your child a double digit addition problem and have them explain their strategy to you. See what they can do!

   
Also at conferences, I had a few questions about new math apps.  I have five fabulous math apps to share.  These are all apps that we have used consistently over the last month so they cover current objectives.      
1. First, for fact fluency, we are using Quick Math.  One thing I love about Quick Math is that the students have to write the number on the ipad correctly.  It is not only important that the fact be answered correctly, but it is important that the number written is legibly.   

 2.  We love Sushi Monster.  The children think it is fun and the Sushi Monster is hilarious.  I love the addition and mental math practice the students get while trying to feed the monster.

3.  Place Value Addition MAB works on double digit addition with and without regrouping.  Students can work at four different difficulty levels and use manipulatives to work out problems.  It begins with double digit addition but the problems go all the way into the thousands place.

4. Mystery Number works on developing number sense through fun games.  Students guess numbers on a hundreds chart and/or number line.  They are given clues like more and less or odd and even to discover the mystery number.

5.  Counting Money Bingo is our most current addition to our school ipad.  We just began working with counting coins.  This app has children practicing counting coins while working to win a bingo game.

Remember, all the apps we use in class are linked to the button bar above.  If you click on the Math App tab you will be taken to a Symbaloo full of first grade math apps.  If you click on any of the icons, you will be taken to an itunes link where you can find out more about the app, including reviews and pricing info.