Saxon Math Review

 

My latest review for Saxon Math is up at The Curriculum Choice.  Check it out!

Guess the Number

Lately we've been playing a great little math game in the car.  It's actually a lot like the Clock Game from the Price is Right, but without the time limit.  I choose a number between one and 1000.  She tries to deduce the number by making guesses, and I tell her bigger or smaller.  She's starting to figure out how to choose her gueses wisely, rather than guessing consecutive numbers.  Little sister often chimes in, but her guess is almost always 64. 

You can adapt this by choosing a greater or smaller range of numbers, depending on your child.   You could add a challenge by using a time limit.  Or switch things up by having your child choose the number, and they tell you if your guesses are higher or lower.

This is just a fun way to get a little more fun math in your diet and a great way to make a car trip go little faster.

The Addition/Subtraction Connection

Over the course of this year, Gracie's been working on learning addition and subtraction facts.  Addition, seemed to be pretty straightforward for her, but subtraction proved to be a bit trickier.  Several strategies have helped her understand the addition/subtraction connection.

1.  Subtraction as reverse addition

Show how the digits of an addition fact such as 1 + 2 = 3 (1 2 3)can be written in reverse order (3 2 1).  Put in a subtraction sign and an equal sign to get a subtraction fact (3 -2 = 1).

2.  Writing equations

Give your child the three digits of an addition problem.  Have your child write 2 addition and 2 subtraction problems using only those 3 digits.

3.  Three-cornered flashcards

These flashcards can be used for addition or subtraction practice.  Each card has the three numbers of a fact family.  Cover one corner up with your finger and figure out the missing number.  (Multiplication and division are shown, but addition and subtraction are also available.)