Math Update

This week we have introduced subtraction and also done some work with part-part-whole mats. The part-part-whole model is a visual that helps students see the relationship between addition and subtraction as it relates to composing and decomposing numbers. As we move into finding a missing addend, this model can be helpful in problem-solving. Here is what it looks like:

We do a lot more work with subtraction in first grade than was done in kindergarten. It has been a little tricky for some of the kiddos. If you notice your child struggling with the concept, encourage them to draw it out. When students are learning the concept it is really helpful for them to "see" the number as represented by circles and then physically cross them out to find the difference.