Math

Math

I know many are asking by now, 'what about math?'  Certainly math can not be this relaxed.  It really can!

Math is not one of those subjects that really  needs to be 'taught', believe it or not.  Although I do know families that have children who have 'taught themselves', I do believe there are certain concepts that wouldn't hurt to be introduced in a traditional manner.  Other concepts, such as ounces and percentage, could easily be taught in a grocery store, and I'll include those ideas in the activities when they come along.  Right now I am sticking to the basics.  Giving your child a good base in math (addition/sub/mult, etc.) will make the other concepts much easier to teach, avoiding countless worksheets and wasted time. 

Once your child has mastered the concepts in Level Red, move onto the next.  And don't forget to have fun!

If your child is coming from the previous level, by now they have been working on the 9 digit addition and subtracting problems and have a fairly good grasp of how to work out the problem. 

*****If your child has not gone through this, I suggest they go back and review now.

Now it's time to go onto the next level.  Start with addition.  When your child can easily do the addition, introduce the subtraction.  Continue to use the 9 digit format. 

98976567656 + 4345543333

or as many numbers as you like!  Just make sure it's at least 9.   This time, however, place at least 3 or 4 numbers on the top that need to be carried or borrowed. 

There is really no need to get into

'well, you take one out of the tens place and such', they will understand that later.  Just introduce them how to work it out.  Later on, when they are developmentally ready, the  place value will come easily and can be taught with one explanation in a matter of minutes. 

Because there are so many numbers, one or two problems a day should be fine.  When your child moves onto subtraction, you may want to try one addition and one subtraction problem so they can review.

When your child has mastered this, and can work the problems out with no help from you, it is time to move onto the next level.

***Continue to use math concepts in your board games.  You may also want to integrate another 'option'.  If they land on___ you can present them with a two digit math problem that needs to be worked out.

Just remember to have fun!

Once they have a good grasp of the above, now would be a good time to take one of those 'little breaks' I was writing about.  I still advise playing the games to review the information, but now we are going to introduce something else. 

Measurements

Do not let these scare you!  At this age, it is not really important what they understand.  I assure you, however, after these illustrations, they will have a better grasp on them than you would have guessed. 

Lets begin:

Grab a pitcher with measurements on the side.  It can be any container, really, but preferably see through.  A big bowl will also work.  Now grab every measurement tool you have.

Cups

Tablespoons

Teaspoons. 

Make sure you're by the sink.  To make this even more fun, add food coloring!! 

(This is up to you, but food coloring STAINS!!)  From experience, an many mistakes on my part ;) , you may want to handle that at all times...

Start with a cup.

Show them the little cups.  How many 1/4 in a cup?

Let them guess.

When you pour it, have them write down the answer.

4 1/4= 1 cup  Let this be the 'cheat sheet' for your questions.

Alternate between 1/3 and 1/2, have them write it down, but keep reviewing, A LOT.  This drilling will help them retain.  Keep it fun and silly.  Consider yourself a 'Muppet' of sorts.  The more fun you have, the more fun they will. 

When you're done, ask them if they see a pattern.  They will probably see it by now, but let them brainstorm a while. 

The denominator says how many will be in a cup!

(include these on their index cards for the math game)

Start adding more measurements with tablespoons.  Make it like a science game.  This is where colors could be fun.  Each measurement is in front of a different color of water.

How many tablespoons will fill up this cup?

I am going to place 8 tablespoons into this cup.  How many 1/2 will I need?

(see if they figure out, it's twice as many as missing from the cup)

You get the idea. Laugh, and make it fun!!  It's not really a matter at this age if they 'understand' the concept.  But write the answers on a card for your game.  Memorization is the key at this age, and they can remember stuff quite easily!

When you finish with tablespoons, move to teaspoons. 
How many teaspoons in a tablespoon.
3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon


This is a good place to introduce the concept of multiplication. 


After this, move onto quarts and gallons. 
Here are a few cheat notes, but have fun finding your own to place on cards as well!


4 cups= 1 quart
2 cupts= 1 pint
16 cups = 1 gallon


Although it may seem that this could only last a couple weeks, it could easily take a month.  Have fun with it!


One way you could have fun would be to get an easy recipe out.  (I will include a few links to some fairly easy recipes at the bottom of this lesson). 


Present the recipe to your child. 
     1/2 C sugar
This is their mission.  How many tablespoons,  of sugar will I need?  Be suspenseful, use your voice!  Make it fun.  If they get it wrong, just say, 'Whoa, so close!'  There are no wrong answers.  Give them a reason to get it right, it's a game!


Do this throughout each step with each measurement.  This would be a great way to make each snack , dinner or dessert for the day.  If you would like to do this on a daily basis, making sure to write down each new measurement, feel free to move onto the next level!  If you'd rather take it slow, that is fine also.  I recommend at least 3 months on this level, with regular review of carrying and borrowing sheets (at least every other day).
Have fun!

Your child, unless you plan to use that aspect throughout your curriculum, now has the measurements down.  They can easily do multiple digit addition and subtraction.  They can borrow and carry easily with no help from you.  They are ready for the next level!

Multiplication needs a simple explanation.  2x3  is 2, 3 times  2  2  2   The answer is 6.   Do not play games with them and 'slowly integrate it into a math problem' as you'll see in school.  (entire worksheet like: 2+2+2=____.   A month or so later compare it to multiplication)There is no reason to waste your time!  Just start off with the lower number math cards.

3x3  is 3,  3 times  3  3  3

My 8 year old can do any math problem on her fingers, just by using this.   

Keep reviewing multiplication.  Put them on your cards, play and make this it's own subject for good review.  Stay on this level till you have them memorized up to 12.  Keep reviewing the other concepts, and remember, have fun! :)