Kindergarten, Math, Week 25

This set of 5 weeks, we are working on Addition.

Monday

• We used manipulatives to help K. understand the concept of addition.
• I have Unifix Cubes (I bought them 16 or so years ago), but you can use beans or paper clips, etc.
• I wrote an equation (2 + 2=) on a paper
• K. illustrated it with the cubes and told me the answer
• I finished the equation (2+2=4)
• We did this with ten simple equations

Tuesday

• Game: Make Ten from Games for Math -- this game will help your child understand how addition (and subtraction) works
• You'll Need: 1 playing mat for each player, at least ten markers (paper clips or beans) for each player, a spinner
• Make the playing mat by drawing a long rectangle on a piece of paper (if you want it to last longer use tag board), then divide the rectangle into 10 sections, and number them, from left to right: 1, 2, 3, etc. to 10
• The spinner needs to be numbered 1 through 6
• Rules: The first person to fill all ten spaces on their playing mat wins. Player #1 flicks the spinners and puts that many markers on their playing card. Then the next player does the same. Continue play until there is a winner.
• While you are playing talk about "How many more do you need to fill your card?" and "I had 2 then I got 4 more, now I have 6. I need 4 more to fill my card."
• For Subtraction, start the game with the card full and remove the number you spin.

Wednesday

• We did manipulatives, just like on Monday, only this time K. and I took turns writing and illustrating the equations.
• K. had to make sure my math was right, and gave her practice writing numbers and equations.
• We did a total of 10 equations. It just so "happened" that we did all "2+" equations.

Thursday
I don't believe in flash cards. There were too many tears associated with them when I was in school and when I started using them with my oldest daughter. I made up this game after trying flash cards for a bit with her.

• Write equations in vertical form on a piece of paper (you can use index cards or whatever you have)
• I cut up old manila folders and used pieces that were 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" for the equation and 1-1/2" x 1" for the answer.
• I wrote an equation (2+1) and put it on the table for K. to illustrate and solve.
• When she told be the answer, I wrote it on a card and she put it under the equation.
• We did this for all the "2+" equations. 2 + 0 through 2 + 10
• Next, I divided the eleven equations into 3 groups (4, 4, and 3) I set out one group of equations and gave K. the answer cards separately.
• She had to match them correctly.
• Then I took those away and set out another group, etc.
• I folded a #10 envelope in thirds to keep the groups separate.

Friday

• We reviewed Location Words.
• I hid an object (could be big or little -- a piece of cereal works well) then gave K. directions to find it: right, left, up, down, under, over, in, etc.