Our goal is for caregivers to work through this year without feeling the pressure of getting it all perfect and right. Our goal continues to be to support everyone where they are in the moment. Our motto is patience and progress. When we give students time, space, and a message of our faith in them to keep going, it can result in stronger, more confident young people.
It may be uncomfortable at first to let an assignment be attempted, yet incomplete. It may feel like you are not doing the right thing by letting your child struggle with something. We know this is difficult, it can be difficult for us too, but by giving students time and space to try, to struggle, and then to push through that struggle independently they are learning they are capable of learning new material.
Asking Questions
Teachers will be asking questions of students and of families all year. These are the types of questions you may hear from us:
Asking questions is a great way adults can support students through those moments without giving answers, or setting up habits that result in students becoming more dependent on adults.
Here are a few examples of the types of questions that are most helpful to use at home:
We will be sending out family letters with suggestions for the types of questions you can ask for each unit. We will make sure we highlight these questions so you have a growing tool kit to use at home. Please remember your child’s classroom teacher is your partner. We are in this together and they are happy to talk with you to answer any questions, concerns, or to give suggestions and tips to help. Please keep checking this page for more information about talking with your child about math at home.
Below are some short, simple ways you can support mathematical learning at home.
Counting Objects
Count objects, steps, seconds while waiting, people in a group… start small and build over the year. Students do best at first by touching objects they are counting or calling out the steps they are taking.
Making Groups
After counting objects, ask your child to make groups.
Ask: Which group has more? Which group has less?
Writing Numbers 0 – 10
As students work in class they are asked to write numbers. Practice writing numbers helps make this process easier for them.
Play
Games are a great way for your child to practice math skills!
Counting Objects
Count objects, steps, seconds while waiting, people in a group… start small and build over the year. In the beginning, students do best by touching objects as they are counting or calling out steps they are taking. PA Standards ask that by the end of the year first graders count to 120.
Making Groups of Ten
After counting smaller numbers, such as ten through 20 or 30, ask students to make groups of ten. Watch how they organize their tens. Ask: How do you know that is ten?
Writing Numbers 0 – 20
As students work in class they are asked to write equations. Practice with writing numbers helps make this process easier in class.
Play
Games using dice, dominoes, or counting moves/spaces are great ways for your child to practice math skills!
Measuring objects or distances
Ask your child to measure the length of objects at home using rulers or tape measures. This can include small objects such as pens, paper, books, or keys as well as larger objects like furniture, doors, or rugs. This can be done with both inches and centimeters, or feet, yards, and meters.
Practice basic addition and subtraction facts
Please focus on untimed practice. The goal is accuracy before speed. Once accuracy and confidence are achieved then speed will come.
Play
Board games and games that use dice, dominoes, and cards are a great way for you and your child to have fun and practice math skills!
Practice facts
Please focus on untimed practice. The goal is accuracy before speed. Once accuracy and confidence are achieved then speed will come.
Play
Board games and games that use dice, dominoes, and cards are a great way for you and your child to have fun and practice math skills!
Practice facts
Please focus on untimed practice. The goal is accuracy before speed. Once accuracy and confidence are achieved then speed will come.
Play
Board games and games that use dice, dominoes, and cards are a great way for you and your child to have fun and practice math skills!