My 7 yr ds is in grade 1 and struggling. Class is rather dysfunctional in that teacher isn’t structured (math isn’t scheduled) and many of students have wide ranging issues. Very little direct teaching occurs and very little checking that work is done.
I know this is grade 1 but he is struggling. I would like to work on addition and subtraction at home but not sure what “method” to use. Teacher seems to use a variety of methods but doesn’t seem to ensure mastery of any.
My ds has both auditory, visual processing and fine motor issues. Not sure if repetitive addition worksheets that he has to print is the answer…but any thoughts, comments etc would sure help me figure out a path.
PS teacher hasn’t been much help when I asked for suggestions.
Lindsy
Re: Where to start for Gr 1?
Welp, look on the bright side (tho’ it’s not very bright!) - if you can teach him something, the rest of the class isn’t likely to have gotten ahead of him!
Besides Victoria’s good stuff, I like Marilyn Burns’ materials as well as Peggy Kaye’s books for understanding how kids *develop* knowledge. Elementary brains don’t process space and size and quantity the way ours do (which, I suppose, may be why teaching focuses so much on just playing with the symbols whether or not you know what they mean).
Some questions
thanks Victoria. After getting your post I realized I had your notes…I usually use them for reading…and forgot the math was there!
I started using your dot method. Felt great to know that I could forget about the “zero” concept for abit…its had him really mixed up. Had a question about doing worksheets…couldn’t see a recommendation for a type of worksheet…could I make my own? Should (or could) I include the dots? or just have the equations? What about vertical vs horizontal equations? I am sure these are so basic but I really like your approach and want to follow it as much as I can as he really liked it (no weird instructions….he was sooo happy).
You are so right Sue. I just hope to keep him from falling behind too much…while I’m looking for a qualifed tutor.
Thanks!
Re: Where to start for Gr 1?
He should learn both vertical and horizontal presentations — will have to use both in the future. The books I use have half a page of one, half a page of the other, so you get used to both but without too much switching back and forth.
I have the kids draw dots under the numebrs to help find the result, but we also recite the tables until gradually they can get rid of the dots. Very gradually, in some cases it may take a year, but we get there. Pennies or an abacus are good too.
I have just made up two new posts on the math issue, so email me again at [email protected] and ask for the updates.
what about number line?
Hi Victoria
What are your thoughts about using a number line? It is one of the many methods his teacher has used - we are using the dots right now but wondering if adding this in will confuse him.
Re: Where to start for Gr 1?
I’d leave the number line for later. If he was lost before and is starting to get a grip with dots, stick with what is working until he has more confidence and mastery. Number line is good but makes much more sense later when you know how to measure with a ruler (think about it!)
Nancy3
If you are looking for full-blown math curriculums to use at home, Math-U-See and RightStart are two excellent options. Both use manipulatives.
Websites as http://www.mathusee.com and http://www.alabacus.com.
MUS has videos that you watch to learn how to teach with the manipulatives. (Most parents have the children watch the videos with them.)
RightStart has daily lesson plans, and incorporates an abacus (very helpful for developing visualization) and games.
Both programs are parent-intensive, meaning that the parent has to spend time one-on-one working with the child.
I have posted some long answers about this same question (you are not alone!), one a long time ago and one recently, just a few days ago.
You can look on this site for the recent post which outlines my *systematic* methods and approaches, and suggests materials.
If you want copies of the old post outlining a method of teaching math facts, I email it along with a packet of reading info every few weeks. Just send a request to [email protected]