Now that explaining your mathematical thinking is included in the 2nd grade common core state standards and it is included frequently in our new edition of Everyday Math some questions have arisen. Explaining your mathematical thinking verbally and coherently in writing is a developing skills for second graders. It comes gradually and is not like a light bulb getting switched on. Rest assured we are working on it in class together and students have the chance for independent practice. It is just the beginning of the year so we need not be anxious and worry that students need to be great at it right now. The second grade standards are standards to meet by the end of second grade.
I think some mathematics sites have some really good information for parents. One of my favorites is this Scholastic post. Click here.
Several of my favorite sections I will quote below but head over for the full post.
"Learning how to use language and mathematical thinking benefits children in many areas. If a child doesn't understand why a toy car does not go down a ramp, then using mathematical ideas, such as height or angle (how slanted is the ramp?) can help her see the situation in new ways. When two kids are trying to figure out how to share something, such as a tricycle, math can be helpful: Set a timer for each child's turn. Sharing blocks could involve counting or dealing out blocks to each person."
"Young children show an impressive ability to think inventively. Encouraging your child to think mathematically at his own pace, rather than "rushing" him or showing him how to solve a problem, is an excellent way to meet his need for creative intellectual activity. If we pose problems and encourage kids to solve them in their own way, we help kids connect their informal knowledge with the more formal, in-school mathematics they'll learn later. We will ensure that children won't suffer the fate illustrated by Bill Cosby's line: "One and one make two. That's great. What's a two?""
I hope this sheds a little light on what we are doing with this standard.
I think some mathematics sites have some really good information for parents. One of my favorites is this Scholastic post. Click here.
Several of my favorite sections I will quote below but head over for the full post.
"Learning how to use language and mathematical thinking benefits children in many areas. If a child doesn't understand why a toy car does not go down a ramp, then using mathematical ideas, such as height or angle (how slanted is the ramp?) can help her see the situation in new ways. When two kids are trying to figure out how to share something, such as a tricycle, math can be helpful: Set a timer for each child's turn. Sharing blocks could involve counting or dealing out blocks to each person."
"Young children show an impressive ability to think inventively. Encouraging your child to think mathematically at his own pace, rather than "rushing" him or showing him how to solve a problem, is an excellent way to meet his need for creative intellectual activity. If we pose problems and encourage kids to solve them in their own way, we help kids connect their informal knowledge with the more formal, in-school mathematics they'll learn later. We will ensure that children won't suffer the fate illustrated by Bill Cosby's line: "One and one make two. That's great. What's a two?""
I hope this sheds a little light on what we are doing with this standard.