Second Grade at Shaker Lane - Room 202

Sharing some resources and ideas for math fact practice! The CCSS for math fact fluency is that second graders will be fluent (adept and quick) with addition and subtraction facts up to 20). This will enable them to be ready for solving multi digit addition and subtraction, word problems, and multiplication in third grade.  Earlier in the year I sent home information for xtramath.com   but I just sent it home again on Friday. This is a powerful way to practice math facts for about 10-15 minutes a day. They also have an app but the website is free.  Students can also use tradition flash cards. Websites like http://www.math-aids.com/Flash_Cards     have printable and free flash cards. You can also get them at places like Dollar Tree, Staples and Amazon.  Verbal practice is good and you can give your child quick facts while driving in the car, during TV commercials, while waiting for the bus etc.  Let me know if you have any o...

Wondering about Xtra Math? If your child attended our school last year, they did Xtra math in school. This year we will be using Xtra math 2-3 times a month in school but I would ask you have your child try to do it twice a week at home. Occasionally I will assign homework on Xtra Math and your child will need to log in and do it that night to get homework credit.  You will notice that working on math facts is just a small portion of our math program and we spend most time working on math concepts and skills and math vocabulary. A big focus is also working on the Common Core State Standards Standards of Mathematical Practice, such as explaining your mathematical thinking (ie. How do you know the number 73 is larger than the number 48?) We strive for balance so that students leave second grade with a good base in all areas of mathematics. Wondering "What is Xtra Math?" Here is what the website says: XtraMath helps students transition from counting or calculating the basic...

Recently your child brought home an flyer for  Xtra math.  When you get a chance, log on with your child to Xtra math using the information on the flyer.  Xtra math  is a fun math fact website where your child can practice math facts using technology! No more paper flash cards like when I was in school. Practicing math facts is not the be all end all of classroom mathematics (see the Common Core State Standards) but familiarity with facts is very useful. All second grade classes have a goal this year of helping students master math facts this year. The expectation is that at the end of second grade, students should have mastery of basic addition and subtraction facts. Yes, subtraction too! In school we will be doing Xtra math as a class about twice or three times a month (we will also be doing other activities in class to increase math fact fluency) but I would recommend you have your child go online to Xtramath.org one or more times a week. Each time your...