Learning the basic facts for all the operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) is essential for your child to be a proficient math student. Knowing and understanding these facts is far different than memorizing them.

Students often report to teachers, "I know 10 x 10 equals 100." To this teachers say, "Great! Since you know 10 x 10 = 100, do you know 11 x 10." Many times children will say, "I haven't memorized this one yet." To this teachers say, "If you know 10 times 10 is 100, then apply this memory to 11 x 10 . . . add 10 more to 100 since all you are doing is adding one more group of 10 to 100."

The video below fully explains the difference between memory and memorization. There "REALLY" is a difference!

The first thing parents can do to help their children is to provide meaningful practice. Practice without meaning is not a good use of your child's time. In addition, if possible, sit with your child while they play games on an Ipad or Chromebook. While your child plays, ask questions that promote thinking. For example, ask, "how did you know that one more would make five?" By doing so, you may learn that your child is counting from one or beginning to count on.

Below are videos that explain several online sites that are highly recommended. All sites are free. Use the links after each video to easily access the sites. If you have questions about what is appropriate for your child, contact his/her homeroom teacher. Feel free to contact Mrs. Baker or Mrs. Liegey, the math specialists.

Students have two very helpful resources in ItsLearning. They are First in Math and Dreambox. Use these sites at least 3 times per week if not daily.

When students are logged into a school-issued device, they should go to ItsLearning. At the top of the page they need to click on the word CLEVER. This will take them directly to either Dreambox or First in Math.

Hello! I am Mrs. Baker, teacher specialist of mathematics at Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School. While I may have a new title, this is my 24th year at Hall’s Cross Roads. For the past 13 years, I have supported our magnificent teachers and students in the area of mathematics as a math coach and intervention specialist.

I started my career in teaching at Hall’s Cross Roads teaching first grade. After a few years, I moved to second grade where I taught for 7 years. Working with children in mathematics and seeing their many ways to solve problems has helped to make me better understand mathematics. While I have always had a passion for mathematics, I achieved National Board Teacher Certification in the area of reading shortly before becoming a math coach. I have held many roles throughout my career here at Halls and love working with the community and families in this Aberdeen area.

Email: Christine.Baker@hcps.org
Location: Aberdeen, MD, USA
Phone: 410-273-5524

Hello! I am Mrs. Liegey, teacher specialist of mathematics at Halls Cross Roads Elementary. I am new to this position at our school, but I am not new to teaching. I have worked for HCPS for 20 years. I taught at Forest Lakes Elementary as a fifth grade teacher and math coach. In addition, I worked at William S. James Elementary as a fourth and fifth grade teacher.

Prior to my career with HCPS, I taught in Minnesota and Texas in which I taught kindergarten, fourth, fifth and sixth grades. In 1995, I moved to Maryland to work with the Success for All Foundation at Johns Hopkins University. In this position, I served as an instructional facilitator and helped teachers from many different states meet the diverse needs of their students.

Email: Robin.Liegey@hcps.org
Location: Aberdeen, MD, USA
Phone: 410-273-5524