It’s Resolutions Time
Every December our thoughts turn to the changes that we should make in the coming year, and many of you may make New Year’s resolutions to improve your lives. Here is our shortlist of resolutions which you may wish to consider to make your children’s school year better for them:
Resolve to:
- Talk positively about your children’s teachers and schools.
- Reminisce positively to your children about your own school experiences, especially math.
- Have a structured routine for before school and after school time, including homework time.
- Make reading a priority, especially reading to your children every night.
- Include plenty of exercise in your children’s schedules.
- Attend all parent-teacher conferences and meetings as well as open houses.
- Make mealtimes family sharing time by turning off the TV and banning mobile devices.
Understanding Multiplication Made Easy
Question: A while back I believe that you had an article on multiplication for those students who were not learning in traditional ways. You mentioned using 3 paper plates and 5 blocks to show 3 x 5 = 15 instead of rotely memorizing 3 x 5 = 15. Can you explain it again? I hope this helps my third grader who just doesn’t get multiplication. – Parent
Answer: Whether students do or don’t get multiplication, the best way to acquaint them with the concept is through the use of pictures, drawings and hands-on material. This gives them an understanding of what multiplication looks like and is not the time to drill children to memorize the facts. Later on, there is time to commit these facts to memory.
Here’s how the paper plate introduction to multiplication works. Have your children lay out 3 plates and place five blocks on each plate. Ask, “How many blocks did you use altogether?” Then have the children count the blocks. Repeat the activity using different combinations of plates and blocks.
Next, introduce the symbolism for multiplication “x,” the “times sign.” Use the symbol in a sample multiplication sentence, such as 2 x 3. This time use blocks. The height of the blocks is 2, and the length is 3. The figure contains 6 blocks, so 2 x 3 = 6. Repeat this with other number combinations.
Now your children are ready to make multiplication cards, starting with 1 x 1 through 6 x 6 for younger children and continuing to 9 x 9 for older ones. Do not include the answers (products) on either the front or back of the card as the products should be determined by the learner.
Go back to the plates and blocks and have the children select a multiplication card at random. If it is 3 x 5, for example, they should follow the same steps as they did earlier. They should count all the blocks and then write the fact 3 x 5 = 15. Work through all of the flashcards in this way.
Once children begin to learn some of the multiplication facts, they should write down the problem with the answer if they know it. If not, they can use the plates and blocks to determine it. This is better than telling them what the answer is and is the first step in their learning multiplication facts.
Is Child’s Problem a Writing Disability
Question: My elementary school child is a good reader, but she struggles with writing. Could she have a learning disability? How can she be helped? – HELP
Answer: The learning disability that affects writing is called dysgraphia. It shows itself in difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting and putting thoughts down on paper. Children with dysgraphia are often good readers. Dysgraphia is genetic and often affects several family members.
There are warning signs that young children may have dysgraphia such as not wanting to color or draw or if they do not hold a crayon correctly. In elementary school drawing or tracing shapes can be difficult and handwriting may be illegible. Plus, children who may have dysgraphia are reluctant to write. And as they get older, they are able to talk about an idea; however, they cannot express the same idea in writing.
You definitely need to talk with your daughter’s teacher about the child’s writing problems to determine if an evaluation for a learning disability is needed. With help children with dysgraphia can succeed in school. It is important to get it diagnosed and to start a strategy.
Best Sports for Young Kids
Question: My young daughter (second grader) doesn’t have Attention Deficit Disorder. She loves sports, but she doesn’t always keep her mind on the game when playing baseball or basketball. Plus, I am not sure how well she really knows the rules of these games. I think that she might do better playing some other sports. What do you think? – Sports Lover
Answer: At your daughter’s young age, many children lose focus during a game and don’t really know all the rules. Just the same, team sports aren’t for all kids. Your daughter might do better playing individual sports until she is a bit older. She would get more attention from coaches and might be more successful at swimming/diving, martial arts, or gymnastics.
Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or to the Dear Teacher website at dearteacher.com..