Coffee Filter turkeys, Switch Days and Doubles Facts

Switch Days
This Tuesday we had our first switch day. Have you ever wondered why or what that means? While primary classes usually have fairly seamless daily transitions (language to math for example), some classes are on rotary (e.g., music). So, if students have music on a Monday or a Friday, they would in essence miss some classes due to holiday weekends. Having a switch day ensures an equal number of certain classes for students as well it equalizes curriculum minutes per subject. I know my class would mutiny if they missed art! 

Doubles Facts
I got a few notes this week about last weeks homework. We are working on developing strategies for adding numbers to 10 (and later to 20) quickly. In Grade Two, students need to develop these strategies to ensure quicker calculations and to move away from using manipulative materials (e.g. counting fingers or using cubes etc.). This is only gained through constant modeling (teacher or parent), gaining familiarity (using dice or cards to provide visuals) and repetition. Please don't panic if your child came home and wasn't able to fully articulate a strategy. They are still gaining familiarity and have not yet transferred information in class to their own independent work. The easiest strategies to start with are:
Doubles Facts 
If the question is 7 + 6 =
Then the doubles facts are: 7+7=   or 6+6 =
So, if a student knows 6+6= 12 from playing dice games, then they can easily figure out that 7+6 will be one more so 13.
Counting On
If a question is 10+3= then students hold the bigger number in their head (10) and then use their fingers to count on, 11, 12, 13. 
So, play those card, dice, bingo or snakes and ladders games! It will help your child gain number sense while having a little fun. Hopefully you find this helpful as you assist with your learner at home.

Some turkey talk:
I will leave you with a few pictures of our wonderful coffee filter turkeys completed for your windows at home. Hope you find them as groovy and festive as I do!

Holding our turkeys up to the window to see the light shine through the coffee filter. Using markers and water, we really had a good time mixing colours. 
                     Have a restful and Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!