Mathematical Needs

I have discovered some severe defieciencies in many of the students in my class and I could really use help at home to overcome these deficiencies.

First, is a general inability to count backwards and this is a skill we are urgently needing to use as we learn our subtraction facts. Your child should be able to count back at least from 5o down to zero, but better if from 100. We will see your child pick up the subtraction facts a lot faster if they have mastered this skill.

Secondly, many of the children are still unable to count by fives, tens and twos. I realized this when we started trying to count money. I t would also be most useful if you could give your child a variety of coin combinations and watch him/her count the money and help as needed.

Both of these skills can be practiced anytime and anywhere. Just give your child a directive such as, "Let me hear you count backwards from 52." (or from 35 or whatever comes to mind)

Or, you could say, "Count by fives for me."

Thank you for helping with this.