HOMEWORK 10-12-11

Solving and explaining problems and developing number sense is a large part of the first grade math curriculum.  For tonight's math homework, there are two games that practice this skill.  Both have timers and show the score.  You may want to write down the scores and set goals for personal improvement. 

First, your child should play Addition Sentences/Sums to 10.  While playing this game, your child should find the correct number sentence to go with the picture shown.  We have been working on the commutative property in math (eg. 3+4=7 has the same value of 4+3=7), but have not used the name to describe it at this time.  Before moving on to the next question, verbally ask your child what the number sentence would be if the puzzle pieces were flipped.  We are emphasizing that the order of the addends (the parts we add together to get the sum) does not matter; the sum will be the same.  Play this game for 2 minutes (or more if your child likes it), then play the next game.

Next, your child should play Write the Addition Sentence.  For this activity your child will be given a word problem.  You can choose to hear the word program with the proper download.  However, it is read quite rapidly.  You can read them with your child and have her read the trick words.  Sometimes students will determine an answer, but explain the answer by using a number sentence that does not represent the story.  You may want to have some scrap paper and a pencil nearby in case your child needs to work it out before entering it.  Play this game for 5 minutes. 

In Fundations we have introduced digraphs (sh, th, ch, wh, ck).  Digraphs are two consonants put together to make a sound.  Neither consonant makes its regular sound.  After these directions, I will list the "phrases" we use in class to remember these sounds.  You may want to use them to help your child decide which digraph to use for each picture.  For this game, there is not a timer.  You will need to time it yourself.  Also, make sure your child clicks on CHECK after selecting each digraph.  Without clicking CHECK, the correct answer will not be given which may reinforce wrong answers.  Please play Digraph Phonics Game for about 1 to 2 minutes.  After playing the games, don't forget to read the COMMENTS directions and put a comment in the box so your child gets credit for doing online homework.  :-)
CALL PHRASES FOR DIGRAPHS:
sh - ship - /sh/
ch - chin - /ch/
th - thumb - /th/
wh - whistle - /wh/
ck - sock - /ck/  [You may notice that this sound is at the end of the word, unlike the others.  This is so that students can associate the digraph ck being found at the end of the word.]

COMMENT:  For tonight's comment, have your child tell you a story that joins two groups of things.  Use the word problems from the second game as an example.  These only need to be a few sentences long (see the example below).  Each should end with a question.  Include the number sentence that solves the problem.  You may type in the story.  Please use your name or your child's name (you may use your first name if you'd like) in the comment box so we can give your child credit.  Comments will not automatically appear; I will release them.  For practice later, come back and visit the comment section and have your child solve other students' questions.

EXAMPLE:  Meg had 7 blocks.  She found 2 more under the bed.  How many does she have in all?  7+2=9