One, two, math is new--
Three, four, what do we explore??...
First grade math is very exciting and also very new to young learners. The various concepts that are practiced are numbers to 100, counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's, place value, comparing numbers using same, more, fewer, greater or less than, and fractions. We also add and subtract using manipulative and touch math. We measure length using inches and centimeters. We weigh objects in pounds and kilograms using a balance scale and weight scale. We explore geometry using shapes and patterns. We also practice telling time using analog and digital clocks. Other areas that we explore include money calendar concepts, use of the calculator, and graphing.
Problem solving is very important. We demonstrate this while working in our math book and DOM (Daily Oral Math). This is not isolated only to these specific activities but to every day living such as shopping and even dividing up a plate of cookies into equal parts! We learn important key phrases such as How many in all ?, How many are left?, and How many more... We stress the importance of understanding the problem and coming up with a plan to solve it. We draw quick pictures and use manipulatives to help solve problems. When finished solving the problem, we ask...Does our answer make sense?
Room 18 boys and girls think touch math is great! We know that the numbers 1 through 9 have touch points and we use this to help us add and subtract accurately. For example, when we add 3+4= ____ we say the largest number first and count the touch points on the remaining addend. When we subtract, we say the first number and count backwards using the touch points from the second number. This is fun to do!
For specific Grade 1 practice, go to:
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/g_1.html
This is a good site for fact practice.
http://www.funbrain.com/math/index.html