January 2011 Dear Family,  As a new year begins, I would like to take this time to fill you in on what we will be covering in Math over the next two months.   During this time your child will be learning about addition. The Learning Goals for this unit are to: ·        Learn more about the meaning of numbers. ·        Recognize that addition involves joining groups. ·        Use counters and other real-life materials to help solve simple number problems. ·        Practise using addition to write and solve number problems. ·        Describe the thinking involved in solving simple number problems. ·        Use mental-math strategies to add. *Mental-math is working out in your head without pencil and paper.   Subtraction will be introduced after students have gained a solid understating of addition.