I’m so excited! My six-year-old brought home the first Everyday Mathematics unit for First Grade last week.
I already conquered First Grade math myself back in the 70s, and I survived First Grade with my ten-year-old a mere four years ago, so I GOT THIS. You hear me Everyday Mathematics? I GOT THIS. Especially the Do-Anytime Activities listed in the parent letter.
Take this activity, for instance: Count orally by 2s, 5s, and 10s when doing chores or riding in the car.
I already talk like this, “I’m going to give you to the count of 3 to pick up your backpack or there will be consequences, Missy!” So, I’ll just talk like this, “I’m going to count by 2s to the count of 10 and if you don’t pick up your backpack there will be consequences, Missy!”
Then there’s this Do-Anytime activity: Take inventories around the house and while shopping.
I can do this one, too! Around the house I see:
- 3 dirty socks
- 4 gum wrappers on the floor
- 2 abandoned backpacks in the hall, and
- 1 empty toilet paper roll still on the holder in the bathroom.
The last one is Listen to and discuss weather reports with your child.
No problem. In fact, I’ve been discussing the weather with my 10yo since he was in First grade! Here’s how we talk about the weather:
Me: It’s 32 degrees outside. It’s freezing. Put some pants on.
10yo: No. I’m wearing shorts.
Me: The weather report says it’s supposed to snow today. Put some pants on.
10yo: No. I’m wearing shorts.
See? We totally talk about the weather in a really thought-provoking and stimulating way and I can do that with my First grader, too.
Oh, Everyday Mathematics, I’m so happy you’re back in my life again for yet another year!
We’re going to be TERRIFIC together!
XOXO
Image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Ha! It’s sort of like a live episode of Sesame Street.
Sometimes I wonder if the people who come up with these education programs ever lived in a real home with real with real children.
Colleen @ MommieDaze recently posted…Eight Apple Recipes for Fall
I’d love to fast-forward 20 years and see if my kids are *employed* with this kind of new-fangled math their learning!
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…Everyday Mathematics in First Grade
Well all I can say is it’s a good thing that my kids are way better at math than me and pretty much always have been! I think these programs are great but I am pretty much the disorganized mom. I’d feel bad except they’re all doing quite well in school so I must have done something right.
Michelle recently posted…Use Your Influence to Make Money Blogging — with Sverve
Everyday Mathematics makes my children seem way smarter than me! I overthink it for sure.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…Everyday Mathematics in First Grade
Oh my gosh, that’s a hoot. See! Math is practical and can be used in every day life!
Stephanie recently posted…Small Town Tuesday: Fundraiser panic
Okay–that made me laugh. My kids don’t have that math program. Last year one had papers they brought home that had “optional math enrichments.” I told my kindergartener they were optional, and we didn’t have to do them (yes, she’s my third), and the overachiever said her teacher said they were homework and they had to do them. So then we’re dumping rice in containers so they can trace numbers with their fingers, and looking for yarn, etc. So. Much. Fun.
Tammy Doiel recently posted…Tasty Tuesdays: Caramel Corn
I’m so glad I missed the rice homework! Good luck with that. 🙂
That was great! Thanks for the humor in that! I will be there in a few short years. This year I will conquer preschool. For the first time. (I never went to preschool myself, I skipped to kindergarten.)
Jill @ Called To Be A Mom recently posted…13 Ways Of Having Kids That Have Intentional Lives + Giveaway
Look at all the ways you can incorporate basic math into your day! You’re such a good “bad mom!”
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…10 on Tuesday: Stupid Questions
This made me laugh 🙂 My kids have learned to count to three by me counting them. They’ve learned all about a thousand by me saying, “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times…” HAHAHA!
Missy Homemaker recently posted…Deliberate Motherhood-A Review
I need to revise this post and borrow your line about a thousand! Classic!
This made me laugh. 🙂 Thanks for sharing you “everyday” math moments!
Michelle recently posted…DIY Photo Booth: Printable Photo Props
Great ideas to count by 2s or 5s when upset! It’ll help get everyone calm by changnig the usual!