Wonderful,Wonderful Math...

Good evening parents!

I just wanted to reach out to assure you that math is going to take a little time to get used to this year. This is a brand new program for both the students and the teachers. I know there has been some frustration with the homework, but all I have been asking of the kids is to "try their best" and if they get stuck after trying a problem, they can circle it and we will go over it in class. The program has me teaching the kids a few ways or strategies to simplify and solve the problems. I have instructed the kids to use one of my ways OR a way that makes sense to them. In class I tell them "Use whatever strategies that make sense to your math brain". As long as they get to the correct answer, I am fine with them using whatever problem solving method th

ey want to get there. We are trying to get the kiddos away from counting on their fingers to add and subtract the basic facts, so if your child is not able to solve a problem mentally, I would like them to draw a picture instead so I can see their though process on paper. That is all they need to do in the "show your work" space on the homework. Keep in mind, numbers will begin to become more complex than single digits, so practicing these strategies will help your child as we continue into more difficult concepts.

The problem solving process we are using in class is the RDW (read, draw, write) process. Students are encouraged to:

1. Read the problem

2. Draw a picture (to help them solve)

3. Write the answer and explain their thinking

As said before, I am flexible with your students choice of how they go about problem solving. I am teaching them strategies in class to break down and simplify the problems to make the problem easier to solve. I would appreciate you encouraging your child to show their work (their thought process) on paper when possible. (ie. writing out the number sentence, drawing a picture, number bonds, etc.)

I will continue to send home the parent tips that go with the program. These will be in the form of a packet for the entire module. (This program is broken up into modules instead of units)

The first module packet was sent home in Thursday Folders last week.

Again, thank you for being both understanding and flexible as we dive into this new program! We got this!

Tell your kiddos to keep up the good work and to not get frustrated! We will figure it all out together.

I will be sending out a spelling test and school store donation reminder tomorrow.

Thank you!!!!