Math Monsters Attack!

It seems that our students have mastered the doubles. It is such an important tool for them as they move forward with computation. If a student recognizes the sum of 2+2, it makes it easier for them to recognize that 2+3=5 (the neighbor). Remind them that their test on doubles will be on October 21st.

Inequalities, more commonly referred to as greater than and less than, is a skill that students are currently working on. Comparing numbers to one another requires students to identify the number of items in a group and understand the vocabulary of more, less, greater than, less than, and the same. They begin really using number sense and logical reasoning as they identify which number is greater or less than a given number. This sets the stage for comparing and ordering whole numbers, integers, and fractions.

As we compare and double numbers, we are also investigating addition. Initially, students practiced counting on from random numbers. That showed the effects of adding whole numbers. Students also have the opportunity to consider what it means to find a sum and what other groups can be added to find the same sum. Addition is nothing more than joining a part to make a whole. Students have been using the number line as a hands-on manipulative to practice addition to 30 thus far. They have also become fluent with the plus sign and the equal sign (understanding that they give directions or balance to equations). They are writing sentences in which the left side of the equal sign is equal to the right side of the equal sign.