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Arithmetic: the branch of mathematics that deals with
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the use of numbers in calculation, or
educational exercises involving this Core Curriculum Standards:
http://education.state.nj.us/cccs/?_standard_matrix;c=4 In
kindergarten and first grade, students are laying the foundation for all
future math learning. They learn their
numbers and number relationships. In
order to proceed through the math content, students must be able to identify
their numbers up to 100 without difficulty.
This is a skill that is practiced throughout the day, not only in
math. The students read page numbers,
look at the calendar and tell time.
This all helps them practice number identification. Number
relationships begin with finding patterns in groups of numbers. When skip counting by 5's, the last number
will always be 0 or 5. This is a
simple pattern. By pointing out
patterns to your child, you can help prepare them to succeed in math. Once simple patterns are established,
children can learn about addition and subtraction (grouping and separating
amounts). Grades 2, 3, & 4: In grades
2, 3, and 4, children combine information they already know with new
information to produce new skills.
Multiplication is simply a short way to show a very long addition
problem. Division is a shorter way to
show a very long subtraction problem. They are also
expected to develop their problem solving skills. A child is naturally curious about how
things work and what will happen if they change something. Teachers can exploit this curiosity and
turn it into rich problem solving lessons.
By presenting the children with problems and teaching them new methods
to use to solve these problems, teachers are helping children build the
toolboxes they will need to solve problems throughout their lives. Easy things to do at home: In the elementary grades, there are always easy things you can do at home to
help your child succeed in math. 1) Use flash cards to practice facts - a few
at a time 2) Show your child coins and explain what they
are for. Let them count the money from
your pocket. 3) Talk to them while you are measuring (for
building, sewing, etc). Explain how to
measure with a tape measure and where to draw the
line for cutting. 4) Let them help you cook and bake. This is a great opportunity for counting
and measuring. You can talk about fractions, more
and less, equal, an lots of other "math" words. 5) Sit down with you child and review
their homework. You do not have to correct every problem, but get a sense of
whether your child understands the material.
If she doesn't, you can re-teach the topic, or you can send a note in
to the teacher. If your child
continues to get many homework problems wrong, contact the teacher to find
out how to resolve the problem. A friendly, respectful partnership between you and
your child's teacher with frequent communication is the most effective route
to creating enthusiastic, confident learners. Summer Practice: In June, your child will bring home a
packet of information outlining some of the ways you can keep math fresh over
the summer. Children loose many skills
over the summer if they are not practiced.
The same way you encourage your child to read occasionally over the
summer, you can encourage them to practice some math skills.
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