A few things we will be studying in math this year include: addition,
subtraction, skip counting, number order, place value, time, money,
fractions, graphing, and patterns.
Problem solving is an important part of math instruction and is the context in which many if not all of
the above concepts will be taught. Here are some sample addition and subtraction word problems to
give you an idea of what you can work on at home. As our problem solving skills expand,
I will add examples of more challenging problem types throughout the year.
It is important to allow students to solve problems in a way that makes sense to them.
The process of solving the problem is just as important if not more important than the answer itself in
developing good thinkers! Depending on the child's understanding of the problem type students may
solve the problem by using objects they can manipulate, drawing a picture, counting on a number line,
using patterns, mental math, or by a variety of other ways. Often times, children's strategies are move
advanced than we give them credit for!
3 monkeys are swinging in a tree.
2 monkeys join them.
How many monkeys are in the tree now?
6 alligators are swimming.
3 alligators walk onto the shore.
How many alligators are left swimming?
Mrs. Schrott has 4 chocolate chip cookies and 4 gingerbread cookies.
How many cookies does she have?
Jake had 12 erasers. Then he lost some. Now he as 6 erasers. How many
erasers did Jake lose?
Kelly had 6 pencils in her box. On Monday she added a few more from home.
Now she has 9 pencils in her box. How many pencils did Kelly bring from
home?
Caden baked some cookies for his holiday party on Friday. On Saturday he
baked 12 more. Now he has 24 cookies. How many cookies did Caden bake on
Friday?
Grace has 5 dogs and 2 cats. How many more dogs than cats does she have?
Differentiation: For several units in math later this year, your child may have another teacher for a 1-2
week study. We do this to best meet the needs and challenge the thinking of each student for that
particular concept. It is also a fun experience for the children to get to trade classes!