Remedial Math

I have started to teach remedial math to grades 1, 5 and 6. It is such a challenge as so many of these kids are so far behind. My three grade 5 classes worked on counting number transitions like 99, 100, 101. Many of them will write it like this; 99 910 911 and so on. The grade 6 is working on odd numbers and large number adding and subtracting. The oldest student is the boy sitting in the back of the room with the grey shirt and hood. He is 19! Like I said, it is a challenge but they are good kids and hopefully they will improve in the next year and a half.

(first picture) - This is my "classroom." It is actually a storage room acting as a library acting as a classroom. I have around 17 kids in each remedial class and it is tight fit. They are taking their weekly timed addition test. One of my goals is to improve their basic skills so they can do their other work well.

(second picture) - Flash card game. It is a boys against the girls flash card game. They stand in a queue (line) and see which side gets the answer first. Again, the goal is to strengthen their basic skills. Flash cards are not my favorite form of teaching but it is how the kids know how to learn so anything different is not working. I want them to memorize them instead of counting their fingers or drawing lines to add and subtract from.

(third pictures) - This boy is a bit relieved to have finished his two minute addition test!