Math apps, programs, books for 1st grader who is struggling?

[BillK]

So today we had our P/T conference with Zach's 1st grade teacher and it went well pretty well overall.

She loves Zach and spoke very highly of his behavior, demeanor etc.

Said his reading is coming along well - but his Math needs work.

Both my wife and I are NOT math people - we both hate it and always have.

So I'm looking for some suggestions for any apps (Android or Apple), PC programs and books to help make math fun for Zach and help him with it.

Any suggestions that have worked well for other parents of 1st graders?

TIA!

[brittone2]

I think it depends on what he's struggling with, kwim?

Here is a free site that my kids use from time to time:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/math.htm

THis one is a paid site but you can do a few questions (I think per day?) for free.
http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-1

Depending on what he's struggling with, I'd be more inclined to focus on playing with manipulatives like an abacus, cuisinaire rods, counters, etc. and maybe some board/card games. I think moving manipulatives around makes it all more concrete and can be very helpful.

Do you know what part of math he's finding challenging? Counting, adding/subtracting basic facts, etc.?

We HS and use Singapore and Miquon at home. Both are very affordable, but they are probably different than what he's learning in school. I love both programs. For Miquon, the workbooks themselves make very little sense without reading the background info (first grade diary, notes to teachers, lab sheet annotations). Miquon teaches mathematical concepts using the cuisenaire rods.

Learning Resources makes various games he might enjoy. You can also play games w/ just some dice or a deck of cards. My kids enjoy using fun counters, like those glass flat bottomed marbles they sell at AC Moore and Michaels for decorating vases and such. Things like that that feel very special are appealing to them. We got this game on super sale a few years ago on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Sum-Swamp-Addition-Subtraction-Game/dp/B00004TDLD

[hellokitty]

I would supplement his math at home using singapore math workbooks. What type of problems is he having with math at school? DS1 has never been that strong at math, but over the summer, I had him work on some singapore math workbooks. I think it has really made a difference this yr. He is in 2nd grade now and I feel like his math is definitely stronger than it was last yr when he was in first grade. Also, did you find out what type of math curriculum your school uses? DS2 is in kindergarten and the school has just switched over to a new math curriculum. It is www.touchmath.com and looks very interesting to me. I could see how it would be very useful for kids in the early elementary yrs.

[pb&j]

Did the teacher give any specifics about what he's struggling with? I think a lot depends on that.

I also think that while an app might be helpful, the old-fashioned stuff might be more effective. Games, manipulatives, and pointing out the math in everyday activities - counting, measuring, comparing, estimating. For instance, how many inches tall is he? How many inches taller than his brother is he? How many inches tall does he think you are?

We have a silly thing we do with the kids that they LOVE - every night DH drinks two beers after the kids go to bed, and he saves the bottlecaps. Each morning, the kids get to put them in a jar, which we keep on the kitchen table so that it's always there during mealtimes. We spend a lot of our family meals discussing the bottlecap situation - how many are there? How many can fit in a pint jar? What about a quart jar? How long will it take to fill up the jar? At 2 bottlecaps per day, will DS have enough bottlecaps to bring in 100 on the 100th day of school (this is actually a very complicated problem for a kindergartner, and it's fun to hear him talk through it)? This is all pretty much child-led - we just gave them a jar and a bunch of bottlecaps, and they ended up with all these questions.

Count a lot with your kids, ask them questions, and just let their minds go, even if they don't get the "right" answer. Integrate mathematical thinking into their natural questioning and daily routine. Let them help you measure while cooking. Think out loud when you're estimating, adding or subtracting. The grocery store is a bonanza of math opportunity - how many packages of applesauce do we need for the week? How long does a jar of PB last? How many slices in a loaf of bread? Are there more grapes in this bag or that one? If I buy 1lb of lemons and a pound of potatoes, do I have a larger number of lemons or potatoes? Math isn't difficult or painful, but it does take some mindfulness to appreciate it.

Other things that DS has enjoyed - Kumon workbooks on telling time, writing numbers, basic arithmetic, and mazes, and connect the dot books/worksheets.

Full disclosure: I am math-y, and have completed licensure requirements (except student teaching) for 6-12 math, but I don't have a lot of experience with elementary math.

[ahisma]

Our district has been raving about IXL. I've started using it with my 5yo and have been impressed. M 13 yo started using it over the summer and went from a D to a B-...and now she LIKES math. Like, she does extra work. Crazy stuff.

I also really like Jump Math. http://jumpmath1.org/

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/a-better-way-to-teach-math/

[jamesmom]

I like using Kumon workbooks and Singapore Math books to supplement and reinforce what DS learns in school.

[pb&j]

Our district has been raving about IXL. I've started using it with my 5yo and have been impressed. M 13 yo started using it over the summer and went from a D to a B-...and now she LIKES math. Like, she does extra work. Crazy stuff.

I also really like Jump Math. http://jumpmath1.org/

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/a-better-way-to-teach-math/

Oh, duh, yeah Jump Math. Of course!! :)

[ahisma]

The Jump workbooks are available on Amazon too, FYI. I almost ordered from Canada this summer - oops!

http://www.amazon.com/JUMP-Home-Grade-Worksheets-Program/dp/0887849709/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321031985&sr=8-1

You can see samples here: http://jumpmath1.org/samples

[ijopint]

It is good to also consider Kumon program.
For us it helped us with DS homework from handwriting,math and reading. well, DS actually started Kumon since he was 4.

[TamiRuns]

I think it depends on what he's struggling with, kwim?

Bill is at work and I have the review here....Zach has weaknesses in the following areas:
Communicating mathematical ideas
Using problem solving strategies
Computing accurately

All worksheets and tests are copied from a book - Pearson Education.

We're looking for ideas that are "fun" (many provided here- thanks) and reinforce what's being taught in the classroom. I tried ixl last summer and Zach wasnt a fan.

Thanks again for all suggestions!

[ahisma]

Given that, I'd really suggest Jump. Read the NYT review, it's pretty thorough.

Also, stuff like this:

Abacus (Ikea is the cheapest and is nice)
Incimals: http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/fat_brain_toy_co/inchimals.cfm
Sum Swamp: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=math+games&x=0&y=0
Set: http://www.amazon.com/SET-Enterprises-100-Set/dp/B00000IV34/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1321032721&sr=8-16
Countdown: http://www.amazon.com/4-Way-Countdown-Wooden-Game/dp/B000229N2C/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1321032777&sr=8-30
Tree Blocks math kit: http://www.treeblocks.com/math_kit.htm

ETA: In general, I have a bias against math / reading learning on the computer, tablets, etc. We have some of that stuff but use it more as recreation that learning. For us, IXL was an exception. Our decision was framed based on our personal feeling that material is better learned / solidified away from the computer...others can probably give better suggestions on digital stuff!

[brittone2]

ETA: In general, I have a bias against math / reading learning on the computer, tablets, etc. We have some of that stuff but use it more as recreation that learning.
ITA on this.

Does he like to move? You can draw out different paths or make little spots to jump on in the basement or playroom or whatever and play games like jumping forward 2 spaces, back 3, etc. If you are on 6 and jump forward two spots, where do you land?

We've used the Right Start math books for a few topics through the years, and my kids enjoy those. It might be a fun way to round out certain concepts if you can match up what he's doing with a book.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jump+start+math&x=0&y=0#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=math+start&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Amath+start They have a huge range of topics and concepts, so you'd have to wade through and see what looks appropriate.

[TamiRuns]

Given that, I'd really suggest Jump. Read the NYT review, it's pretty thorough.

Also, stuff like this:

Abacus (Ikea is the cheapest and is nice)
Incimals: http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/fat_brain_toy_co/inchimals.cfm
Sum Swamp: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=math+games&x=0&y=0
Set: http://www.amazon.com/SET-Enterprises-100-Set/dp/B00000IV34/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1321032721&sr=8-16
Countdown: http://www.amazon.com/4-Way-Countdown-Wooden-Game/dp/B000229N2C/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1321032777&sr=8-30
Tree Blocks math kit: http://www.treeblocks.com/math_kit.htm

ETA: In general, I have a bias against math / reading learning on the computer, tablets, etc. We have some of that stuff but use it more as recreation that learning. For us, IXL was an exception. Our decision was framed based on our personal feeling that material is better learned / solidified away from the computer...others can probably give better suggestions on digital stuff!

Thanks for all these suggestions! I'm loading up my Amazon cart! I feel certain the games will be a hit and I'm interested in Jump after reading the NYT article. Since Zach is fascinated with our iPads, we could probably use a math app/game as a reward. We limit any and all screen time with both boys.

Thanks again!

[TamiRuns]

ITA on this.

Does he like to move? You can draw out different paths or make little spots to jump on in the basement or playroom or whatever and play games like jumping forward 2 spaces, back 3, etc. If you are on 6 and jump forward two spots, where do you land?

We've used the Right Start math books for a few topics through the years, and my kids enjoy those. It might be a fun way to round out certain concepts if you can match up what he's doing with a book.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jump+start+math&x=0&y=0#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=math+start&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Amath+start They have a huge range of topics and concepts, so you'd have to wade through and see what looks appropriate.

Thanks for these suggestions. I'm looking through the books right now trying to identify a few that would be helpful. Thanks!

[kboyle]

ds1 is just not quick at math and since our district still implements twice weekly math timed tests we work on math skills A LOT in our house. he's in the 3rd grade now and has been struggling since 1st gr.

regular ol' flashcards seem to work best at keeping him moving and knowing his basic facts by memory...we can speed through them

ipad/ipod apps:

math bingo
rocket math
ilivemath series (we have a bugs one that keeps him entralled, it's teaching math word problems)
mathboard (or something like that)
splash math (it's 3rd grade and WE LOVE IT...not sure if they made a younger grade yet)

[larig]

if your kid is an iPad lover, then don't shy away from using that as a tool. As a learning scientist and former h.s. math teacher I have no problem with it, as long as the mathematics taught are sound. My DS is hugely motivated to learn when using the iPad. It's like all other areas of parenting--you find out what pushes your kid's buttons and run with it.

[n2ou]

Splash Math on the IPAD - my kids loooooove the built-in reward system.

[clc053103]

Our school also uses Pearson. It is the envision math program. The school can provide you with a login to access the text at home- you can actually watch the lesson on line, I have done it when DS missed a lesson. The site is pearsonsuccess.net. Perhaps reviewing the lesson at night could help? Envision is very different, I myself have needed DS to explain a question or two to me bc I didn't get it, and I was very good in math.

Our school also uses first in math site for practicing math facts.
Www.firstinmath.com.

[kijip]

I would recommend both Jump and Singapore. And hands on counting and grouping. Count by 2s and 3s and 5s and 10 with him for example. give him beans or coins or objects to count and add/subtract. Teach him to tell time on a regular clock. The website www.xtramath.com is fun and easy to use.

When he is ready for multiplication, timez attack is a great game on the computer.

[ShanaMama]

Dd1 is also in first grade and they are learning beginner math facts- like +0, +1. She enjoys the app math puppy. I don't think it's particularly educational, more like a fun reward. It might help with memorizing basic addition and subtraction, but she counts on her fingers. I am fine with it as she can figure out pretty high single digit addition & subtraction when she hasn't even learned the concept of subtraction in school.