11/10/2008 Mental Math & Drops in the Bucket

Part 1 (Daily Reading Homework): your child needs to read at least 20 minutes every night. Please record what they read, how long they read for and then initial it. Thanks!

Part 2 (Mental Math): We are starting a unit called Mental Math and the children are starting to figure out ways to quickly add up numbers in their heads. Go over the work they’ve already done and then work through problems #19-21 on the math mat. Check their understanding as they go. Please make sure they create their own journal story of problem #21.

Part 3 (Math): Drops in the Bucket Math: we are reviewing many of the math facts that we have learned to date: comparing numbers, patterns, adding and subtracting, how many in all, money, place value, time, and shapes.
When working on Drops in the Bucket with your student please constantly ask them to explain themselves to you. Say things like: “How do you know that?” and “Tell me why.” when they give you answers.  On problem #3 the students are asked to do some double digit addition and subtraction. Check to see if your student starts in the ones place.  Problem #9 deals with telling time. Many of the children don’t know how to tell time on a clock with a face yet. If this is still hard for your child read the face to them, “11:40” and then have them write the time on the digital clock. Please work with your child on telling time!

Part 4 (Minute Math): Minute Math is a daily activity. It is not due until Friday.