Comments on: What is the best way to teach addition and subtraction to a 1st grader?

By: loo

loo — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:47:59 +0000

The most important things to remember are that kids need to be taught in a variety of ways and they need repetition. If your child does not have a concept of what a 5 actually is… then adding 5 plus 5 means nothing to him. Keep using objects, fingers, ruler, hundred chart, number line etc. You can go online for printable games and online games. You can visit your local teacher supply store for flashcards and board games. (My students also like to use addition Wrap Ups). Teach him to always start with the biggest number and add up. Example: 8+2 "Which number is the biggest? Find the 8 on your ruler and count up 2".

It may help for him to know the cumulative property, the concept that 8+2 has the same answer as 2+8. When doing an addition worksheet, I have kids do the first problem, then go on a search to find other problems they can "cheat" on. It’s great that you are willing to take the time to help him with his homework; all kids should be so lucky.
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Second-grade teacher

By: Berry :}

Berry :} — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:34:59 +0000

I suggest you practice with Flash Cards.
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By: flyingcobain

flyingcobain — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:23:59 +0000

USE CANDY INSTEAD OF PENNYS!
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WILLY WONKA

By: gymnastic_cat

gymnastic_cat — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:03:59 +0000

It sounds like you’re doing a good job. It just takes lots of repetition. Try using different objects too. Like Cheerios, marbles, toy trucks. lol. Mix it up and it’ll be more fun.
Teachers use something called base ten blocks. It comes in little cubes that represent 1’s, stacks of 10 little cubes that represent a 10, then bigger blocks that represent 100’s. It helps them learn how to carry over. Cutting out paper squares and strips may help with that.
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