Students in grade 1 have been learning and building efficient strategies for adding numbers to 20. They’ve learned to recognize doubles (like 6 + 6) and "friendly numbers"—numbers that make adding easier, such as 8 + 2, which can be quickly seen as 10. They have also learned strategies like counting on from a number, such as starting at 5 or 10, rather than counting all the way from one.  They’ve explored skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s to build fluency in addition. Students are developing a deeper understanding of how addition and subtraction are connected, as well as the commutative property, which shows that the order of numbers doesn’t change the sum (e.g., 4 + 6 is the same as 6 + 4). These strategies are key to helping students become more efficient and confident in their math skills.  In the video below you will see teachers using a Rekenrek or “Rith Racks” and practicing these strategies using 5 and 10 structures.  Students are quickly able to use the 5 and 10 structures to subitize or instantly recognize the number of objects in a small group without having to count them individually. They are then invited to share their strategies with the group and make visible their mathematical reasoning and learn alternative strategies. 

Sincerely,

Angela McPhee

Principal