From: Claudia (for Teacher2Teacher Service)
Date: Sep 03, 1998 at 21:42:18
Subject: Re: Teaching basic math

Just returned from a meeting of several teachers around our state, and I
posed to them a question about a child having demonstrated the problem
your son has.  Follow Gail's advice about the beans (AND talking to the
teacher).  If I can clarify Gail's advice a little more.

Do the beans with different amounts.  Start with 3 and get your son to tell
you how many are left when you cover 2. Have him write out the "math
sentence" like 3-2=1 (Writing it in the form he is used to).....then
continue until you find out what number has him stuck!  Several of the
expert elementary teachers I spoke with, said that often a child can get
stuck on ONE number and it throws all the learning off of basic facts
ESPECIALLY if they are timed.

Good luck!

 -Claudia, for the Teacher2Teacher service