Math Help for 1st Graders
First-grade math is when your child begins to learn number sense and early reasoning skills. It bridges the playful, hands-on activities of kindergarten with the pencil-and-paper and computer-based problem-solving of a first-grade math classroom.
In first-grade math, students begin to develop a strong foundation in number sense, addition, and subtraction. They also start learning how to measure, tell time, and recognize basic geometric shapes. These early math skills are essential because they lay the groundwork for everything your child will learn in elementary school and beyond. By supporting and encouraging your child in first-grade math, you’re helping them develop confidence and skills that will benefit them for years to come.
1st Grade Math Curriculum - Common Core
First graders learn from a structured, standards-aligned math curriculum that builds essential skills. They often focus on addition and subtraction, counting, understanding place value, basic measurement, geometry, and solving simple word problems.
How to Help 1st Graders with Math
Yes, how math is taught has changed since many of us parents were in elementary and middle school. The good news is there are tons of resources to help you support your child with their 1st-grade math homework. From ideas on why your child might be struggling, to strategies you can use to help them, or ways to look for a good math tutor, it’s all within easy reach for any parent. And remember, a good software platform that’s engaging and fun to use can change your child’s outlook and help them enjoy learning math.
Helping with 1st Grade Math Homework
While you may assume that 1st-grade math homework is fairly simple, the way the questions are presented could surprise you! Helping your child learn patience and persistence, whether in 1st grade or any other grade, starts with modeling patience,positivity, and a growth mindset as you help them with their homework. For example, conveying that mistakes are to be valued, not feared, because you always learn from them is a powerful message.
Yes, understanding why your child is struggling in math takes time and effort, and time is in short supply nowadays. However, once you start incorporating strategies to make math fun and engaging, and establish a routine that works for you and your child, the benefits will become clear! The goal is to foster a positive mindset and boost your child’ self-confidence. The key is finding the right ideas and the right learning platform to support their growth.
Math Software for the 1st Grade
When choosing a math learning platform to help your child,the first question to ask is whether it aligns to state or local standards to ensure it covers the curriculum they’re learning in class. Next, consider how flexible the platform is. Every child learns math differently and at their own pace. Does the platform adapt to their individual needs?
Some of the options available today are: Khan Academy, DreamBox, Math Playground, and Kodomath. These platforms range from traditional drill-based approaches to more immersive options that use game-based learning elements . Prodigy Math belongs to the second group, offering an immersive online game environment to engage learners who answer math questions to progress in the game. This unique approach helps make learning fun while reinforcing essential math skills.
Math Games for the 1st Grade
There are two typical approaches to online game-based learning in mathematics. The first is to offer a large collection of specific games that test targeted math skills. It’s still about math drills, but uses popular game formats like races or treasure hunts to try to foster engagement. For example, in Math Playground, you have Jet Ski Addition and Ducky Race Subtraction while Adapted Mind has a game-based background that you progress through guided by monsters who ask you math questions.
The second approach is to create a game environment where students need to answer math questions to progress and earn rewards. While playing the game, you move from one math skill to another - rather than having a collection of smaller games, each focused on a specific skill. The game itself helps maintain engagement because it’s fun to play while learning math. Prodigy Math and DreamBox are great examples of this approach.
So how do you know your child is being asked math questions that correspond to 1st-grade curriculum standards while also addressing the other areas they might be struggling with?
Prodigy Math’s adaptive algorithm personalizes the learning experience. It assesses each student’s math skills and tailors the math questions they receive to their individual needs as opposed to simply giving them only the content from their grade . This is key because students are often taught according to their grade level and not necessarily based on their understanding, which can lead to learning gaps. Since math is cumulative, these gaps make it harder to understand more advanced concepts later in middle school and high school. Prodigy Math helps bridge those gaps, ensuring a strong foundation for future learning.
Hiring a Math Tutor for Your 1st Grader
With math software, all you need is your device and an internet connection to play and practice. With a math tutor, however, you need to schedule classes and decide whether to work with them in person or online. The benefit is, with an experienced tutor, you get a personalized service targeted to your child’s needs that can boost their ability and confidence with math.
Online tutoring is more flexible and convenient and can be more cost-effective as well. With tutors charging from around $25 to over $100 per hour, online services may offer cheaper rates.
Prodigy Math
In surveys conducted in 2020, students who previously expressed a low enjoyment of math responded on average with a notable increase in enjoyment after using Prodigy Math’s online game. Prodigy Math is designed to be engaging and fun to play, integrating math questions into exciting in-game challenges. Many students who once felt frustrated with math developed a more positive attitude after playing!
Not only that but Prodigy’s monthly rates for memberships can be less than the rates many tutors might charge per hour. It’s affordable, not to mention there’s a free option as well. It’s built to be fun to play, and it just might change your child’s view of math.
