In Level 2 students begin using mental math to solve problems up to three digits with and without renaming. Students who have all math facts memorized to automaticity (without thinking about it) have an easy transition to this skill. Make sure your student gets the facts memorized the Singapore Way so they are also developing visual images and kinesthetic understanding of number sense.
The following activities can be used to get your math lesson started. You might also consider using them another time during the day and then the student might not even realize the math lesson is continuing!
• Get some fun manipulatives like plastic insects or sea creatures. Using the double ten frames from last year, build the most difficult facts to memorize. After building them in the frames, have your student write the number bonds. Then write the equations. Spend several days working to get both subtraction and addition facts memorized then move on to another.
click here for a blank ten frame
click here for a blank double ten frame
• Play games with cards or dominoes. These are two excellent tools to help kids develop an imprint on the brain of the numbers from 1 – 9.
• Throw a ball, or better yet a bean bag to your student. Give a math fact as you do. As the student throws back the object, the answer should be given.
• Remember that students at this level should still be counting objects even as the math facts are becoming solid. Have your student sort and count how many knives, forks and spoons as the dishwasher is emptied. Or count how many red legos or beads are in a pile. You get the picture.
• As understanding grows, begin estimating larger quantities and have students count objects to see how close the guess was.
Keep in mind that Level 2 is still a year for exploration. The goal is that students will master math facts, an understaning of place value, memorize multiplication facts for 2, 3, 4, and 5 and also be exposed to other strands of measurement, time, money, fractions and geometry. This should be a fun and exciting year for your student. If frustration encroaches – go back to the Manipulatives!
