Hello Parents and Guardians,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. Last month the school hosted a
school wide technology workshop that focused on integration of technology into
the mathematics curriculum. I have since then been exploring and researching
different tools of technology that would be useful to the students in and out of
the classroom.
As technology becomes a part of our daily lives, it is important to
introduce the students to how it can be a tool of learning. Technology based
mathematics tools offers a resource where students can learn and develop a
better understanding through engagement and manipulates. Mathematics is
no longer a subject focused on memorizing. In order for your children to grasp
the mathematical knowledge behind the concepts the media uses visualization
2ND Grade in order for the students to be able to grasp and work with the material before
connecting to conceptual knowledge. These are important steps for a strong
mathematical foundation. This is why I am presenting you with technology

March tools to make practicing mathematical skills engaging and accessible.

Currently in Mathematics the 2nd grade students are mastering

Newsletter addition and subtraction. We will be approaching the subject through the use of
many manipulate based strategies before jumping to the abstract algorithm.
There are many math-orientated games on the Internet but not all of them are
good for learning.

Highlights
The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM) is a web-
based collection of applets that use virtual manipulatives. This website
has a wide variety of applets that are arranged into categories and grade
level. The applets found on this site are a great resource and teaching tool
to reinforce a concept through a virtual form that allows students to
practice different methods that develop mathematical logic.
o Base Blocks: This applet is one that is really beneficial and
access for 2nd graders to use independently. Students will be
using base blocks manipulatives in school, so this applet is really
useful and makes using the same method at home more
accessible. The way the applet is structured the student will be
able to follow the directions and also discover the mathematical

Applets concept through the visual model. The applet allows the student
to work on place value and the relationship between the different
placements. Students will see how a specific amount of ones
make up a specific amount of tens and so on. This applet will also
NLVM be very beneficial to the students as practice regrouping in
Addition & Subtraction addition and subtraction.
Base Blocks
Base Blocks Addition Math BINGO: This application is a fun spin on traditional bingo that
allows for the practice of mental math. Math BINGO has three levels that
Base Blocks Subtraction
allow the student to work toward leveling up. The applet does a great job
Color Chips at showing the abstract algorithm after the subject is right and correcting
Number Line Bars the student when wrong. The applet keeps a record of the player through
Number Line Bounce a report card. This keeps the student accountable while at the same
time allowing you to see how the strengths and areas the student needs to
Math BINGO work on. The bingo aspect works with addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division, which will allow the applet to be applicable
Available on for learning beyond 2nd grade. The applet is one that is a great review and
practice of mental math and to keep math facts fresh. This applet is a fun
iPhones and review that can be paired nicely with the addition, subtraction,
Android multiplication, and division applets found on NLVM.