Alli is now officially an Addition Master.
First graders take time tests to encourage them to learn to add. If they pass so many tests, they get their Addition Badge at the school assembly on Fridays. They then start to test on subtraction. Well, Alli received her Addition badge on Friday and to say the least, SHE WAS ECSTATIC!!! She has been working pretty hard every night since Christmas to memorize her addition facts. It has paid off because she has just whizzed through her tests. I think she has gotten pretty wrapped up in this, because her teacher told us that when she found out she passed her last test, she had a little tear of joy in her eye. That's our girl! This is what she passed to get her badge...
Sums to 5, 100 problems completed correctly in 10 minutes, twice
Sums to 10, 100 problems completed correctly in 10 minutes, twice
Sums to 14, ...same
Sums to 18, ...same
After this is accomplished, they move on to the same thing in subtraction. After they earn their subtraction badge, they move on to random timed tests that have more problems done in less time and if they pass all those tests, they are officially a 1st grade Math Master. The kids take this quite seriously and feel a big sense of pride when they get their badges. It's a really good idea and great motivator.
Alli and the other 1st graders getting saluted by the school for getting their badges.
Jeff and the boys waiting for the assembly to start.
The assembly was really neat. They sang songs, chanted the school's code of conduct, recognized birthdays, and gave out the badges. One other thing that Jeff and I were really impressed and excited about was right before the assembly closed, the teacher in charged asked for a moment of silence to PRAY, meditate, or silently think how you want to think. We didn't think prayer was allowed in public school, but so glad Alli's school allows those who want pray, to do so.
