Add it up...up...up! Add it up...up...up!

One of the first things in 2nd grade we begin working on shortly after school starts are practicing and memorizing our addition & subtraction facts to 20!  This is such an important skill with the key word being memorizing the facts.  Our class participates in a what we call "bubble gum facts" where the kiddos will learn certain levels of number facts until both addition/subtraction facts to 20 are completed and memorized.  Students will be sent home with a certain level to practice, when they are fluent in it, parents will send back in the signed level sheet and the child will be tested.  Once they pass one level, they will go on to the next and a new level will be sent home.

One question I often get is....how can I practice the facts with my child at home?  There are numerous ideas floating around the internet, these are just a few suggestions to get you started.

The following clip is of a game we play in class and it's easy to make and play with your child at home.  It's called Kaboom!  Watch the clip and Mr. Smith (who is a ROCKSTAR 1st grade teacher!) does an amazing job with explaining how to make it and play it with your child.

Another fun and interactive website that has TONS of math and literacy ideas is ABCya.com.  Math Facts Basketball is a favorite of the kids and can be used for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division!   

Of course, there's also the ol' fashioned worksheet method too...I know this can help if you are timing your kiddo and want them to practice getting the facts quickly in a certain amount of time.  Super Teacher Worksheets is a great site with lots of printables that you can use and print out at home.

Well...hopefully this will help get you started with some ideas as we begin the addition and subtraction facts for your 2nd grader!  See you soon!
~Mrs. Davies