MSI Press Blog

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #188 Tally Charts    When things get too complicated, it sometimes makes sense to stop and wonder: Have I asked the right question? ~ Enrico Bombieri   Learning to make and understand graphs is an important skill. Before you can make a graph, however, you need to have collected some information. One easy way to organize information is in a tally chart. (Under each category are bundles of fine lines. The first four look like 1111 and the fifth is placed diagonally through the first 4.) To help make this concept fun, you and your child could think of something you would be interested in collecting information about. Perhaps:   ●       Tally the favorite ice cream or favorite color of the family. Could you call, write, or e-mail others you know to make your data collection larger and tally...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #187 Patterns   The outline of your future path already exists, for you created its pattern by your past. ~ Sai Baba   Patterns are everywhere! Kids love them! Recognizing patterns in numbers, geometry, and measurement helps get elementary kids thinking in a complex way that will help with the more abstract mathematical concepts they will study in higher grades. See how many patterns you and your child can find in your everyday lives. (Time, months, seasons, numbers, schedules, wallpaper prints, stories. . . ) Start a family list at the message center of patterns everyone finds. Be on the lookout every where. You can also create opportunities to develop your own patterns. Try a family challenge. Place a bucket of coins on the kitchen table. Challenge each family member to create a unique pattern using any variety of coins....

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #186 Time Well Spent   If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over? ~ John Wooden   The most obvious way to help your child learn to tell time is to look at an actual clock (Do you have a standard one available?) and practice with your child. Again, it is an important life skill and is a concept most meaningful if tied to everyday experiences.    Besides simply asking, "What time is it?" try these problem-solving questions: ●       How many minutes until dinner? ●       How many hours did you sleep? ●       How many hours are you in school? (or try minutes for older kids!) ●       How long do you think it will take us to walk around the block? (Do it, and time it. How close w...