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School-Aged Children
heyitsme
member
Tips for helping DD with addition/subtraction?
heyitsme
member
DD is in 2nd grade and they're working on adding multiple digits (like 85 + 33). Unfortunately, her school's way of teaching math is to use a number line, and in 2nd grade they try to move away from using the number line. She's getting frustrated at home doing homework because she says she "can't do" things like 8+5 because she doesn't have her number line.
I hate flashcards, but will use them if necessary. I need something to work with her on 0+0 up to 9+9 and 0-0 up through 9-9. Are there any games, websites, etc. out there to help?
Mom to J (10), L (4), and baby #3 arriving in July of 2015
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Re: Tips for helping DD with addition/subtraction?
I can't tell from your post whether she's having trouble with adding 2 digit numbers because she doesn't understand the concept of regrouping, or because she doesn't have her math facts down pat yet.
If she doesn't understand the concept of regrouping -- tens vs. ones column -- you might try using digiblocks or some other kind of manipulative. Try home school stores for this kind of thing.
If she understands the basic concept behind what she's doing, but is still struggling with math facts... well... she's in good company. When I was tutoring middle schoolers in pre-algebra and algebra, I was amazed at how many of those older kids really didn't know their basic 0-9 math facts, particularly multiplication tables. 2nd grade is a great time to get the addition and subtraction facts memorized. Since this is just rote memorization, don't be afraid to go for the flashcards, but know that they aren't the best tool for some kids. Here are some other things you might try:
--making facts into a rhyme
--imagining a number line in her head
--counting on her fingers or knuckles until she has the facts memorized
--using computer games to help make memorization fun
--certain numbers have memorization tricks associated with them that make learning facts with that number easier. This works for the multiplication tables more than with adding and subtracting, but there are still some good tricks for addition and subtraction facts! Google "math fact memorization strategies" for other ideas.
My daughter's math teacher likes this website:
https://www.ixl.com/math/grade-2
Also encourage her to count on her fingers until she has her facts memorized.
You know, the best way for your DD to learn is the way that SHE learns best. The heck with the way the school teaches if it's not working, she's not learning and only getting frustrated. So what if she has to make a number line for herself and erase it if it gets her to learn how to do the numbers. Do both at the same time if you have to.
When I was a kid I had "Math Blaster" which turned math into a game. It's one possible idea. The important thing is that she learns how to add the numbers together and come up with the correct answer, not necessarily the "how" she got there, but how she got there is easy to backtrack her work.
I would try a different way of teaching the addition and subtraction. Over time she will do so many problems that she will end up memorizing basic facts. Some different ideas to try:
1. Manipulatives like beans
2. Use an abacus. I like the soroban abacus best because you can visually take it in very quickly.
3. Computer games that do addition subtraction. The repetitive nature of the games will help her memorize the math facts.
Learning the 10's is the best foundation to help with the other math facts (5+5, 4+6, 8+2, 7+3, etc).
We play a game with a deck of cards. Take out the jacks, queens and kings. Keep all the other cards (or maybe start with a few less the first time, like 2 of each number instead of all 4). The goal is to draw cards that equal 10. Kind of like memory.
I have an 8 year old in 3rd grade whose birthmother didn't put him in kindergarten. We got custody of him mid-2nd grade because he grades were terrible and his mother told the judge that they were fine. Judge deemed her unfit to make education choices so we are playing ALOT of catch up academically. His tutor taught us this game.
She needs to learn what 8+5 is from memory (which may be a 3rd grade thing? not sure...) so that she can then regroup and carry the one. There are also math computer games where they add the numbers. She just needs to do them over and over so they stick.