Posts tagged "math"

Math Flash Cards and Road Trips

Math Flash Cards can go anywhere!  They can be the perfect activity to bring along for any road trip.  I just got back from a camping trip with my family.   I made sure to pack a variety of activities for the car.  Luckily, we did not have far to go, but I knew that the time in the car might be a bit challenging.  Along with “I Spy”, coloring books, lots of singing, and some old-fashioned storytelling, I brought along some simple math flash cards.  My girls loved the flash cards and the activities we did with them.  We made up story problems using the things that we saw.  For example, after we counted the cars on the train that went by, I had them find a card and tell a train story for their equation.  We would look for animals, tractors, special buildings and tell math stories about them.

Yes, there are many hand held electronic devices that have a variety of games designed to help children learn math concepts.  There is no doubt that these are fun and engaging; however, there are alternatives.  Math flash cards can provide many ways to interact with your child.  Kids spend many hours “plugged in” to t.v., video games, movies.  It is nice to show them other ways to learn new things and practice math concepts.

Parents as well as teachers can show kids a variety of games to play with math flash cards. There are many different types of flash cards to choose from ranging from cards that focus on early numeracy skills to multiplication and telling time.  Don’t worry about buying batteries for these activities!  Visit www.k12schoolsupplies.net to see all of the wonderful math flash cards available.

Do you have any suggestions for great activities using math flash cards?  If you do, please share them below.

Teaching Supplies for Tutoring

Teaching supplies fill my basement.  I am not currently working in the classroom, so I have math manipulatives, dry erase boards along with boxes of classroom materials in my office.  I started to get some of my teaching supplies out for my daughters to play with during their “school” sessions.  After going through some of the items, it was not long until I decided that I could earn some extra income tutoring.  There is definitely a need for qualified tutors to help support students learning.  During the summer months, it is not difficult to find clients.  Post an advertisement on Craigslist, or call a local tutoring center and request an application.  Once you determine where you can conduct your sessions, you can begin using your teaching supplies.  Here are some ideas on how you can use some of the materials that you have and possibly purchase some new ones to work with students on a variety of subjects.

Reading -  While many schools have specific reading programs, a different approach may spark kids’ interest in reading over the summer.  Using simple teaching supplies like a notebook and index cards, you can choose from a variety of comprehension strategies to practice.   If a student needs to work on decoding, stop by your local library and check out books that focus on specific phonics skills.  Use sticky notes and mark specific words to practice reading and writing.

Writing -  Writing can be intimidating for anyone, especially kids.  Use the summer months to grab a journal, get outside and write about nature.  With a little bit of one-on-one guidance, students can feel more confident about their writing skills.

Math -  Help students sharpen their math skills by reviewing facts, practice solving problems, and explaining math reasoning.  Use everyday objects as math manipulatives.

As with any form of teaching, communication between students, parents, and teachers is critical.  Make sure that you determine the student’s tutoring needs and assess on a regular basis.  Grab your teaching supplies and get started.