The key foundation for learning to solve mathematical operations for upper elementary school begins with counting. Count objects aloud when you are playing or talking to your child. Use his toys, counting blocks or anything that interest him. It is typical for children in kindergarten to learn, recognize and count from one to 100. At home, use coloring books with numbers and pictures that match number values. It is also important for your child to begin tracing and writing numbers in sequence for later math operations. Connect numbers to different objects you encounter while driving, such as counting cars or singing familiar number songs.
Children learn simple one-digit addition and subtraction problems in the first grade. For example, 3 + 2 = 5 or 5 -- 3 = 2. Pictures that match number values or objects are used to master this concept. You can practice these operations with your child at home by using candy, popcorn, or beads. Drawing number lines starting with one to 20 helps children begin memorizing larger numbers. Show your child how to move her finger along the number line to add and subtract to find the correct answers. Use flash cards with this activity to increase memorization of addition and subtraction facts.
The second grade introduces addition and subtraction regrouping with two-digit numbers, coin values, place values, time, measurement and skip counting by twos, fives and tens. Use place value charts to practice regrouping and borrowing two-digit numbers. Group objects in twos, fives and tens to teach skip counting. Children can learn coin values by helping to count pennies, then nickels, dimes, and quarters.
Third grade math skills combine all the fundamentals learned previously. A student must have a strong base of all the previous math concepts learned so she does not fall behind. Multiplication is now the focus. Memorizing and solving multiplication operations in any order presented is essential. Use flash card starting with twos, then threes and continue introducing the next set of multiplication facts as she masters each.