Now in first grade, Ryan’s 1st grade class is focusing heavily on mathematical skills and being able to immediately recognize and answer common math problems (such as 2+2 or 10-3). To assist with this the teacher (Mrs. Borger) has provided a large stack of flash cards that him and I practice with several times a week.

Yesterday (Nov 5, 2014) the students had to bring in a form that documented the # of times per week we practiced. The students who brought it in were then given an opportunity to compete in a mini math contest with their peers. Going one by one, the teacher would present a flash card (with a math equation) to a student and ask them to answer it in under 5 seconds. Whoever couldn’t do it was out of the game.

In the end, my son was the last one standing…out of over 20 students. And as a result, he was given the unique opportunity to represent his entire class in a First grade math competition that will take place amongst all classroom winners throughout the school. The contest will run later this week, and he is very much looking forward to it.

This experience is one of his proudest moments of First grade thus far. He understands that the contest is not about winning, and that instead it’s about having fun and challenging yourself to do the best you can. He came home with such a smile that day and was anxious to share his proud moment with anyone who would listen.

Congratulations Ryan. Daddy and Mommy are incredibly proud of you.