Mathematicians!

 Our mathematicians have been "crunching the numbers! Both first and second graders are learning how to solve story problems with a missing part - think, 6 + ? =9 or 41 + ? = 84.  This tends to be a bit trickier than your straightforward math problems as the kids need to tap into their budding algebraic sense to figure these out. What parts of the problem do I know? What part am I looking for? Luckily, we have many tools to help us with these complex problems including counters, number lines, snap cubes, and base 10 blocks. We also have times to play math games to build our number sense and fact mastery with a partner. 

Math can be one of those subjects where kids have more of a "fixed mindset". They think they are either good at math or not - end of story. In truth, there is lots of room and time to grow and improve as mathematicians and kids tend to develop in their own time. Please reassure your child if he or she is expressing math phobia that they WILL get there and that you believe in their ability to learn and practice and grow. And the more you, yourself, share your own positive experiences around math, the more the kids will see that effort and practice build success!

Check out the pictures below of our students working hard and having fun at math!

First Grade finding combinations that make 10:

Second Grade strategies for finding a missing part problem: