Parents, being able to use add-on counting can be very valuable for young mathematicians. I was in second grade in 1977 and I still use add-on counting on a regular basis! The basic idea is simple: have a starting number and then use your fingers to add-on to that starting number.
Below is an illustration of what I mean by add-on counting:
The above illustration shows how a young learner might use add-on counting to solve a small problem (in this case: 6+3). The same process can be invaluable when students start adding-on to larger numbers. I tell the students, "Put the starting number in your hand. Then pop up the number of fingers that you are adding. See this student work out 87+4.
First, she "puts" the number 87 in her hand. The first time she shakes her fist she will say, "87" Here she goes!
"87!"
"88!"
"89!"
"90!"
"91. 87 plus 4 equals 91."Parents, beware: some students have a hard time remembering to stop after they "pop up" the right number of fingers. Some just want to keep on counting! I always gently ask them, "How many fingers are you popping up?" After enough repetitions, they generally catch on.
One important key to teaching your child add-on counting is the physical movement of the arm. This is what ESL (English Second Language) teachers call Total Physical Response. In short, Total Physical Response is a way of teaching that links body movements to the learner's brains absorbing new information. Solid research shows that people simply learn better when physical movements are attached to the acquisition of the data.
More anecdotally, I can tell you that year after year I observe that students who don't do the arm movements (or resists making the big gestures) have a much harder time learning things that I teach them than the ones who jump right in and start doing the movements. Conversely, those who do the arm and body movements learn my lessons more quickly and more easily.
The long of the short of it is this: make sure your student is doing the hand and arm gestures as they go through their add-on counting.
I wish you all the success in the world and hope you have a great year!
Mr. Kerstan Copeland
2nd Grade Teacher
County Line Elementary School
New Braunfels, Tx
