Sea Creatures and a New Math Work Place

In math the children have been playing numerous games around the concept of addition and subtraction. This is an important concept for all children to know. We've been working on using the counting-on strategy (start from the bigger number and count up so many more. For example: 6+3. Start at 6 and count up 3 more). Fact fluency is very important in first and second grade. So any extra practice at home with your child will be beneficial.


Just recently, a new math work place was introduced to the children: Count & Compare Unifix Cubes. This game is similar to other games children have played. In this version the cards show sets of Unifix cubes grouped in 10's and 1's. As players take turns, they draw a card and count their cubes and then compare the 2 quantities to determine who has more and who has less. A more-or-less spinner determines who gets the cards after each turn, as well the overall winner at the end of the game.

Also in math, the children completed an activity that had them sorting sea creatures in small groups and discovering different ways to sort them. After, they completed a worksheet where they had to demonstrate understanding of sorting.



The children have been working hard creating sea creature math problems and I'm happy to say they are finally completed! This week we solved some of the problems that were created by the children. Some children used whiteboards to show their thinking, while others used an app, Educreations, on the IPAD's to show their thinking, which I was able to embed onto our blog. Take a listen as children explain their math thinking.