Math: Addition and Subtraction

First grade mathematicians have been investigating the operation of addition by solving story problems and working on games and activities that involve combining two amounts. They are using combining strategies we call counting all, counting on and using a known addition fact. 

First grade mathematicians have also worked on using numbers, pictures, and words to understand and solve subtraction, or take from, story problems. Our mathematicians have discovered several strategies and ways to represent these strategies on paper. As we investigate increasingly more complex problems throughout the year, first graders will be coached to notice and use the relationship between addition and subtraction to solve, which is a priority mathematical understanding. 

Another math game to support your child's learning at home, Double Compare, is in Thursday folders this week! The object of the game is for students to determine which of two pairs of cards has a greater total and to prove that they have the greater amount mathematically (counting, comparing) verbally. Please cut out and keep the set of ten frame playing cards that accompany the directions for play, they will be used for other math games sent home this year.  Math vocabulary to support the learning at home: plus, total, greater than, less than, count all (the dots to find the total), count on (from the larger number to find the total). Have fun!