Mathematics.
17 - 5 =
We break the 17 into 10 and 7
(10) (7) -5 =
Because the 7 is a larger number than 5, we can just minus them first.
7-5= 2
Then we add on the remaining 10!
10+2=12
This gets a little trickier for when the 'ones' are smaller than the number being taken away.
15 - 7=
Break the 15 into 10 and 5
(10) (5) -7 =
A common mistake here is students reversing the 'ones' to enable them to subtract them, here it would be 7-5= 2. The correct number would be to subtract from the 10 as it is larger!
10- 7 = 3
Then we add the remaining 5 to the 3.
5 + 3 = 8.
Mastering this strategy prepares the students for using the substitution method covered later in the year (where we 'borrow' tens from the ten column). We also looked at maths stories and I have been very strict with the students as far as working out is concerned. I have taught them that most questions in tests are worth 3 points and one of them is for the answer. The other two are for working out. For maths stories, I have asked them to follow 3 steps:
Ms. Allison caught 6 pikachus in the Viridian forest. She then catches 8 more the next day. How many pikachus does she have now? (Ms. Allison likes pokemon......)
First step: Students will identify the numbers they need to manipulate, here it is 6 and 8.
Second step: Students will then decide what the question is actually asking them to do. For now it is addition or subtraction. In this example it is addition so students should write the sum: 6 + 8 =
Third step: Solve the problem! And of course, write what the answer is (not just the number!)
Ms Allison now has 14 pikachus.
A lot covered this week! As stated before, these strategies help the students later on so if you have any questions on how these strategies work, please feel free to ask me.
Writing.
Reading.
We also continued our work with readers theatre and had some of our reading partners start to practice performing their books to the class. We are hoping that we will be able to present a few of these to G1A and perhaps even the school in an assembly sometime!