Stuffed Animal Math

If you have five stuffed friends at a party, and only three times napkins, how many more napkins do you need?

Megan played games today to find different configurations to equal 5 (5+0, 4+1, 3+2 and the reverse).  Using play helps the information stick in Megan's head.  It also helps math be understood.  Instead of just memorizing math facts, this gives concrete, hands-on practice with real life objects. 

Megan struggled today with the workbook pages.  I think I'm going to gi through more of the Heart of Dakota math activities in the guide and lighten up just a tad on the workbook.   I want her to truly understand the math, mastering it before we move on too quickly.

The Singapore Essential Math workbook has activities listed on the bottom of nearly every page, but they use a lot of linking cubes.   I don't own any and don't have the extra funds to purchase any right now.   The Heart of Dakota activities use materials I have around the house.   There is a lot of variety in the activities.  I don't see Megan getting bored.