P2 Math - General Discussion

[SAHM_TAN]

RRMummy:

SAHM_TAN:

Did you try using physical items to show him? Like if he likes cars, use his toy cars, for example use 1+1, place 1 car and the plus sign and 1 car, then ask him how many cars can he see, then works towards bigger numbers. Once he is ok with addition can go on to subtraction. For example use his fav biscuit. For example 5 biscuits, then ask him to eat one, then ask him how many left on the plate.....

oopps.. just saw your reply SAHM_TAN.

Haha.. I like the eat away biscuits and see how many left exercise! :boogie:

:lol: Thanks. I find that when kids are able to relate maths with everyday life, they will be more interested in it.

It's true what your wrote, need to go from concrete to abstract. Kids at this age works better with 3D objects. It's how the brain works I guess. For example, I show them pics of tiger and lion, they will get confuse. But I bring them to the zoo, it's settled, no more confusion. Sorry :offtopic:

[RRMummy]

SAHM_TAN:

:lol: Thanks. I find that when kids are able to relate maths with everyday life, they will be more interested in it.

:hi5: So true!

[bboomer71]

Attended this briefing at my son’s sch. Teacher said that Maths understanding moves from concrete to pictorial to abstract. So if cannot understand abstract, try drawing pictures, if still cannot, count ice cream sticks! Hope this helps! Take care!

[optimistforum]

Hi everyone


Thanks for the advice. I have followed what you have all said and it works; though we still have a way to go. I did also kick myself for not thinking of something so obvious.

PS,I have just had a few books shipped here to the UK. DS2 (who we are talking about) is working through the EPH Step by Step Maths P1. It is a fantastic book; and one I would recommend.

[RRMummy]

optimistforum:

Hi everyone


Thanks for the advice. I have followed what you have all said and it works; though we still have a way to go. I did also kick myself for not thinking of something so obvious.

PS,I have just had a few books shipped here to the UK. DS2 (who we are talking about) is working through the EPH Step by Step Maths P1. It is a fantastic book; and one I would recommend.

Don't be so hard on yourself optimistforum. :snuggles:

You ought to give yourself a pat in the back for your great efforts in a foreign land.

Just let him have more time to explore the concrete objects and don't rush through each stage. Once the concrete understanding is there, the later stages will be a breeze.

Have fun! :celebrate:

[optimistforum]

Thank you RRMummy


I will make sure that DS2 has a foundation understanding of the concrete objects, and I hope to make this progress within 6 weeks, so that he can hit the ground running in Y2.

[RRMummy]

optimistforum:

Thank you RRMummy


I will make sure that DS2 has a foundation understanding of the concrete objects, and I hope to make this progress within 6 weeks, so that he can hit the ground running in Y2.

You are most welcome.

Go easy on him and yourself okay.. hey he's only 6.!

And i kinda suspect those angmo's not as on as us crazy Singaporeans.. so remember to take a breather. :boogie:

He'll do just fine. :imcool:

[SAHM_TAN]

optimistforum:

Hi everyone


Thanks for the advice. I have followed what you have all said and it works; though we still have a way to go. I did also kick myself for not thinking of something so obvious.

PS,I have just had a few books shipped here to the UK. DS2 (who we are talking about) is working through the EPH Step by Step Maths P1. It is a fantastic book; and one I would recommend.

You are welcome.

I'm sure you will think of these ideas sooner or later. It's just that you were too worried.

Relax and enjoy the learning journey. I know it's easier said than done. I have my moments of :frustrated: too. But they will surprise you. Kids will take some time to digest the information and sometimes, wks or months later, they will surprise you with the application of the information that you have given them earlier.

[optimistforum]

Hi SAHM_TAN and RRMummy


Thank you for your help in the P1/P2 Eng and Maths threads.

Our school year finishes this Thursday, however, I feel it has not been a productive year for DS2. He starts UK Year 2 (Singapore P1) - in September.

Last September, he was behind in his reading (decoding) and managed to complete the Peter and Jane series in February; I am now working on his text comprehension and vocab. In maths he could add and subtract up to 10, but can no longer do it. He struggles with number bonds but is ok with other topics. He reads to decode but not to understand; this is what I need to work with him on - any tips to achieve this are welcome!!!

The school, my wife and I have not nurtured him enough - and certainly I recognise that I have not helped him enough (I concentrate on DS1 and my wife is supposed to work with DS2, with me as backup).

DS2 is a polite, personable and an erudite worker. He recognises his weaknesses and is eager to plough through the \"Singapore books\" (that's what my sons call them).

In Year 2, in September, he and his cohorts will be set by ability, and I am keen to give him some help, otherwise, it is difficult to move between sets. DS1 was at a similar level at the same point (just slighly higher) and so I am using the same materials but just adjusting the learning style to suit DS2.

My angst is summed up by my inability to coach DS2 as I did/do with DS1. This will change now. DS2 is my priority, and will have a tutor in January to prepare him for the Key Stage 1 SATS exams. Until then, I will build up his curiousity, vocab, reading/understanding and other life experiences.

[SAHM_TAN]

optimistforum:

Hi SAHM_TAN and RRMummy


Thank you for your help in the P1/P2 Eng and Maths threads.

Our school year finishes this Thursday, however, I feel it has not been a productive year for DS2. He starts UK Year 2 (Singapore P1) - in September.

Last September, he was behind in his reading (decoding) and managed to complete the Peter and Jane series in February; I am now working on his text comprehension and vocab. In maths he could add and subtract up to 10, but can no longer do it. He struggles with number bonds but is ok with other topics. He reads to decode but not to understand; this is what I need to work with him on - any tips to achieve this are welcome!!!

The school, my wife and I have not nurtured him enough - and certainly I recognise that I have not helped him enough (I concentrate on DS1 and my wife is supposed to work with DS2, with me as backup).

DS2 is a polite, personable and an erudite worker. He recognises his weaknesses and is eager to plough through the \"Singapore books\" (that's what my sons call them).

In Year 2, in September, he and his cohorts will be set by ability, and I am keen to give him some help, otherwise, it is difficult to move between sets. DS1 was at a similar level at the same point (just slighly higher) and so I am using the same materials but just adjusting the learning style to suit DS2.

My angst is summed up by my inability to coach DS2 as I did/do with DS1. This will change now. DS2 is my priority, and will have a tutor in January to prepare him for the Key Stage 1 SATS exams. Until then, I will build up his curiousity, vocab, reading/understanding and other life experiences.

Does he have any fav cartoon characters? Nowadays there are phonics books / storybooks with cartoon characters as leads. If he has, you can consider those books. My DD1 started to have interest in reading because of winx club cartoon , there are winx comics books. You can try those to help him in comprehension, and ask question along the way to test his understanding. There's also this series, I bought one but have yet to try with DD1, it's Brain Quest Reading. It has various grades. Each card has a short story followed by some questions to test understanding. The stories are short so my DD1 does not need to remember too much. I feel it's a good starting point.

You already have a plan. Don't worry about what is past, it's never too late to start, really.