The Dog Ate My Homework

Understanding decimals is one thing, but solving problems with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals is an even bigger challenge. In this episode, we dive into the many ways that children build problem-solving fluency with decimals, how they learn to check their work for accuracy and to make sure it makes sense, as well as ways that you can support your child with these concepts at home. For more infor...

Decimals may seem brand new in fifth grade, but children have actually been building decimal understanding since kindergarten. Listen to this episode to help understand how your child learns and understands decimals, ways to help keep them organized in their work and learn ways to help your child tap into their previous knowledge to build understanding of decimals. For more information, ideas and listening guides, visit my web...

Fourth graders learn not just how to solve multiplication problems, but how to be efficient problem solvers and critical thinkers as they choose the most efficient solution strategies as well. In this episode we dive into the nitty gritty of multiplication strategies that fourth graders use and go beyond just the standard algorithm. If you've ever felt like your child's multiplication homework looks like a foreign language to you b...

Division doesn't have to be an intimidating new concept. In third grade, children learn to use what they already know to solve division problems, use visual and physical models and apply their multiplication understanding to make sense of division. In this episode, we dive into the division strategies that third graders use, and cover some at-home tips to try when supporting your child with division at home. For more informati...

So, if my child isn't using the standard algorithm to solve multiplication problems, then what strategies are they using? And how in the world do I help them remember those basic multiplication facts? In this episode, we will dive into third grade multiplication strategies within 100, talk about ways that children build fluency, and cover strategies, activities and games to try at home to support your child with homework and with b...

A big focus of third grade math is learning how to multiply (and divide). In this episode, we will dive in to how children build multiplication understanding, not just in third grade, but in fourth grade as well, and we'll talk about why it looks so different from the standard algorithm method that we all learned growing up. Tune into this episode for an overview of how children learn to multiply, so that you can fully understand t...

Subtraction of larger numbers is a challenging new concept, especially when regrouping is involved. But if second graders use what they learned in kindergarten and first grade to support their understanding, and use efficient strategies for problem solving, then they can absolutely be successful at second grade subtraction! Listen to this episode to learn about how your second grader builds subtraction understanding, and what you c...

Why is my child drawing so many pictures to problem solve, when they could just use the standard algorithm? This math looks so different from the way we learned it growing up. Your child learned about the base ten number system in kindergarten and first grade, but now in second grade, it is really time for them to apply this understanding to problem solving. In this episode, you'll learn how second graders learn to add with larger ...

How can we support our first graders in understanding and building fluency with subtraction? In this episode, we dive into the many strategies that first graders use for subtraction, including some that make subtraction a bit more 'friendly,' like using addition to support subtraction problem solving! Listen to this episode to learn about how your first grader learns subtraction, as well as what you can do at home to support them a...

First grade math isn't just about adding and subtracting within 10 and 20. First graders also learn important skills that build the foundation of understanding of our base ten number system. They not only learn the meaning of the digits in two- and three-digit numbers, but learn how to add these larger numbers as well. In this episode, we'll dive in to the idea of adding larger numbers, as well as cover how you, the parent/guardian...

First grade math is like the fuel that powers your child's jet engine for math as they continue learning in elementary math and beyond. Developing a deep understanding of addition concepts and building addition fluency is key to your child's success in building understanding of operations with larger numbers. So what can you do as the parent/guardian to support your child at this critical time in their math journey? Listen to this ...

If you listened to episodes 7 & 8, then this is a good episode for you. I covered a LOT of information in the first two Kindergarten episodes, so it may be difficult to decide, "so where do I start?" In this episode, I briefly overview some of the key points from episodes 7 & 8 and then outline some "next-steps" for where you can start supporting your child with math at home. For more information, ideas and listening g...

Subtraction can be tricky for Kindergartners. This is the first time they are learning this new concept, and our brains are naturally wired to think more about addition--we want more stickers, we don't want to give our stickers away, right? In this episode, I break down some of the ways that children learn about subtraction for the first time in Kindergarten, how they build subtraction fluency, and what you as the parent/guardian c...

If your child is in Kindergarten, or will be in Kindergarten soon, or needs support with Kindergarten addition concepts, then this is the episode for you! In this episode, I break down some of the most important skills that your Kindergartener needs to know when they are learning addition. With every skill, I discuss games and activities you can play with your child at home to keep them learning but also having FUN as you reinforce...

In this episode, we go beyond the typical response of "I just know the answer," to help our children make meaningful mathematical connections. I will explain the many different ways that children can show their work, why this is important, and what you as a parent/guardian can do to facilitate and encourage your child to actually show their work. For more information, ideas and listening guides, visit my website: www.mathcoach...

Why is math so different from the way we learned it growing up? These new math standards make it so hard for me to help my child with their math homework! Why is my child drawing so many pictures and diagrams when they could just use the standard algorithm? If you've ever wondered why this "new math" is so different from the way we were taught, and this leaves you wondering how to help your child with math homework, then this is th...