Dear Parents,
We are currently working through Units 1 and 2 of math trailblazers for third grade. The children are doing well at problem solving but I have noticed that many of the children do not yet know their addition and subtraction facts by heart. I feel this is important before they will be able to do well at multiplication. We will be taking weekly timed math fact tests in addition and subtraction. If your child is unable to finish the 100 in 5 minutes, he or she should be practicing with flash cards at home. Thank you for your help with this.After they pass in 5 minutes they will move to the 3 minutes challenge. If they pass that, as one child already has, they may begin working on the multiplication page.
As we move into Unit 3 and begin multiplication in the next few weeks a helpful strategy is to assist your child in counting by threes to 30, fours to 40, fives to 50, etc. First just start with the threes and when they get that down, move onto the fours. Thank you so much for your help at home. I firmly believe we work in partnership for the success of your child. I’m loving encouraging and challenging them in their math skills. Their enthusiasm is fabulous.
Sincerely,