Math Makes Sense
The Math program we use is Math Makes Sense. We explore mathematics using a variety of strategies, including whole group, centers and individual practice. We use a variety of manipulatives to help us explore the topics that we are learning about. Our units and a few ways to help your child learn each topic are listed below.
Grade 1 Units
Unit 1 - Sorting and Patterning
- Sort laundry or groceries
- Go on a pattern hunt in your house
- Play "I Spy" with numbers
- Practice estimating using small groups of toys
- Make a family calendar, talk about family schedule
- Examine a collection of coins. Ask your child to identify them.
- Have your child practice adding and subtracting using small objects like buttons
- Play a hiding game with 10 objects - take away a few and ask how many are missing. Take turns.
- Do a family survey of favourite vegetables
- Talk about things you always, sometimes, or never do.
- Look for 2D and 3D shapes in the neighbourhood.
- Play Simon Says with positional language. (ie. take 5 steps back, put your hand behind your back etc.)
Unit 7 - Number Patterns
- Find things that come in pairs like shoes and count them together
- Use pennies and count them by 2's, 5's, and 10's
- Use an object like a straw and measure the height of your family members
- Choose a unit, like a straw, and find things that are longer, shorter and the same length
- Look through magazines and cut out squares, triangles, circles and rectangles and make pictures with them.
- Make a chart showing what you do every half hour. Notice the hands on the clock.
- Use 30-50 small objects like beans and ask your child to count them by making groups of 10.
- Estimate how many objects in a bin (ex. legos in a toy bin) and count them 2 different ways (by 2's and 10's)
- Collect objects and hold them in your hands to estimate which is heavier and which is lighter.
- Experiment with water or rice and different size containers. Compare how much each container holds.