It's Been Awhile Since I Was 9 Years Old......

K.,

My bother is in 4th Grade and he was multiplying 10's at the end of 3rd grade. Now don't be unset about what other kids are doing. His school might be completely different then the schools here.
The best advise I could offer would be to go to a teacher's store and get some work books. They sell fun but educational work books. I would get one for every subject that way you can work on a little of everything.
The only advise I have on the reading thing is maybe take him to the library and see what kind of books he picks out. I know when I was in school I hated to read but when I got a book on a topic I liked I couldn't put it down. I would say small chapter books are very much age appropriate right now.

Good Luck and I hope everything gets straightened out,
J.

http://www.aplusmath.com/

I don't want to be redundant but wanted to share this website for Math. I agree with most other responses.
I use this as computer time with my students.

I am a substitite teacher in PISD and I have a 7th grade daughter.

Kids need parental support and I admire you for stepping up to help this child.

For a 4th grader, he should know a lot more than that. There are several websites you can check out that have printable worksheets, etc. www.abcteach.com is a good one. Also, check out the website for the school district you are in. They often have parent tools for helping children.

He should know multiplication tables way higher than 1-2. Multiplication is semi started in 2nd grade and by the end of 3rd grade they should master multiplying up to 12. Flash cards are a help. We give timed test for adding, subtracting, multiplying. It is a 2-5 minute test with 50 very simple problems. (Ex...5+4, 6-2, 5x5) Division starts in 2nd grade as well. Basic math facts are essential for him to be successful in school and when he gets out later.

Reading...certainly chapter books. Time him to see how many words he reads per minute. Fluency is important. Also, ask some comprehension question. It is fine for him to read alone but if he reads aloud to you, you can get a feel for how he is reading and he gets practice. We have reading groups and students take turns reading a page during this teacher table station.

It amazes me to see some of the work the elementary children are doing already. They cover a lot of ground to prep them for middle school and up. Elementary school sets the foundation for children to learn, practice and get good study habits.

One thing we have always done is reward grades with $$$. My daughter does not miss an honor roll and when she brings her report card home, she gives us the "bill" for what we owe her. It is an incentive that works well for us, not for everyone. Maybe he can work toward some item he really wants.

Since you only have 2 weeks with him, be a model and let him see you reading, etc. When you are at the grocery store (or any place you can find a way to teach), have him help with weighing fruits/vegetables, calculating costs of items you are purchasing.

Good luck.

Susan

Hi K.--it sounds like you and your step son are in a difficult situation. There is a series of books out that is "What your ___ grader should know" that is really good and have some really neat activities and stories in them. There are other books that have guidelines such as "The Educated Child" and your local library/librarian could get you more information. BUT it sounds like he has been through a lot and may just need some positive attention instead of cramming him with some facts. Maybe try some activities which would sneak math and other skills in like playing Monopoly or other board games. My sons love the Great Brain Academy on the Wii which is REALLY hard sometimes but all in alot of fun. Taking him to the library early in his visit to pick out some exciting and fun books for him to read or for you to read to him might be really fun too. My suggestion is to find out what he loves and then plan activities around it that might be educational and enriching--have fun! Making a really positive connection with him will allow you make more changes in his life in the future. Good luck.

Your step-son is lucky to have you in his life--not all children fare as well, unfortunately. My daughter is in 4th grade this year, as well. She goes to a small private school, and even with extra attention, 4th grade has been tough. However, we parents had a meeting w/ admin earlier this month to address the extra stress in 4th grade. And the explanation is that 4th grade is the beginning of learning independently, getting ready for middle school where it will be expected. If your step-son is as far behind as you describe, he needs more intervention than what you alone can provide. He may have learning differences, vision/hearing issues, dyslexia, etc etc. He needs to be diagnosed with whatever issues he might have, then move forward with a successfull learning plan. Yes, it's very important for kids to be kids. But, this poor little guy is set up for failure right now, and the adults in his life need to step up and get him the appropriate help. Bless you for caring, and don't give up.

I have a 10th grade granddaughter who wanted to learn so bad she taught herself. I have a day care at home and I push learning. I have two computers for the children to learn from, and it really helps in Math, colors, recognition of letters, language and counting. You may find one for 4th graders that would make it fun. I have children that are not interested in learning at all. I just keep saying the same things over and over and once they realize there is a world out there with meaning to everything they get excited. So here is one web site that can help.
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/grade/Fourth_grade.pdf

I got the Texas Cirriculum for pre K and I am sure you can get more,Math 2 digit multiplications,no division yet, he should be able to read chapters,sound out spelling phonics, he should know how to use the dictionary. My granddaughter helped me with this. It is still just the first 6 weeks, so I am sure a lot of repeat stuff. My granddaughter was one of 2 who got Honor Roll out of the whole 4th grade at Comanche Springs Straight A student for all her years. A few B's but A average. So if you need help, you can talk to her ###-###-####. Now you can go to Staples and in the back they have work books for all ages. I was told Sam's also has cirriculums but I looked and got confused. Children learn through praise and fun. So make it fun.I know Daisa learned some alegbra last year and I do not understand it at all. Seems funny but I was a poor student all through school. I tried really hard just did not get it. They tested me and basically told mom and dad that I did not have a good memory.Well, I am dylexic. Well I am very talented in other skills. I am creative. I do florals and sew and love to cook. But now with my Day Care I am excited to teach these kids. I just finished College in 2005 and graduated with a degree in Business. So there is always hope. I can also tell you I was a second wife to both my husbands and the first wives are threatened by a second wife. So walk on egg shells with mom. We never want a new wife who took our place in a marriage, fear the children will care more for that woman then us. So play up to her and be sweet to her and give the boy your best, but always encourage him to love mom and do nice things for her. I lived on both sides of the fense. I struggled while my ex and his wife had no other children and lived high off the land. They never gave much to the children and only what the court ordered. Never extra for school clothes or anything that would help me be a better parent. I had to work two, three jobs and very tired all the time. I sat on game benches till I was worn out. I had all the decisions as to their friends and life that was so overwhelming. So try to make it easier on her. I think when that happens, she will be more grateful to having you around then not.Also those extras will make her less resentful of sharing. Send extra for the child's sports or school pictures if you can. Only if she is responsible. Some moms drink and blow it, but others just cry all the time afraid of how they are going to make it. Day Care is so expensive I could never have done it. Because of that, my kids were latch key kids for years.Wish I could have afforded better care. New wives want the best for the steps but focus on their own. Good Luck. Also look at Best buy or Game Stop is where we get a lot of p/c learning games. I got in trouble with having a p/c in my Day Care by the state that it has to have parental controls on it. I now have computers that are not hooked up the the internet so watch him while he is on it. I had to take the ram, and infor about the computers to them to decide which ones were compatible. G. W

I feel like this is an important issue!!!! I hope this is a little helpful... my daughter is in 4th grade also.Obviously he passed the TAKS requirement to be in 4th grade(if applicable) By now they should be adding & subtracting 3 and even 4 digit numbers multiplication to 8's or 9's. As far as reading goes yes small chapter books (they should have a number on there somewhere to tell the reading level...) for our school they have reading homework everynight of 30-60 minutes of reading either outloud or to self whichever is ok for you. Also as each school is different we have a website to go to and also can get weekly grades emailed to us.. It would be a good thing to talk with your husband and sign up for these things if avaliable. It seems like his mother dosent care... Has he been tested for development problems? Or is he just being lazy?Im sure you can do a little bit of reasearch on the net to find out exactly what he should know by this point.I could go on & on. If you would like to talk more about it I can try to find out more info for you!____@____.com and Good Luck!

K.,
You poor thing, your a sweet lady to give this boy so much
concern when his own mother doesn't sound like she even cares.
My son is 9 and in the fourth grade, he knows ALL his multiplication facts through 11-he is just starting to learn division, dividing in to two to three numbers, he has to know what a numerator is and what a denominator is, can't spell myself! but you get the idea, and yes he should be able to read by himself. big print chapter books like Captian Underpants! or on a subject that he likes, How did he get to fourth grade if he can't multiply and all the other subjects, how is his writing? I would start with Math, you can get flash cards at the dollar store and work with him, make it fun, see how many he can do before the timer goes off then give him a reward! Where is he from? maybe he belongs in special reading groups, my son is here in Keller, and writing too. Anyway I hope that helps some, my email is ____@____.com if you need me. Take Care
M.

Hi K.! I am a stepmom to an 18 yr old boy. I've been with him since he was about 3, so I know what you are going through. Not only with him, but with the "other mother". If he is in 4th grade (my daughter is in 5th) he should be able to read to himself, although some kids are a little slower than others. And yes, they should be age appropriate chapter books. Math...again, some kids are slower than others, but he should be doing more multiplication. Division, not so much. I used to make up "math tests" for Michael and that way he got the practice he needed, but it was kinda fun for him too. Well, at least at that age! hee hee I would also sit (and his father would too) with him on the couch and we'd read together or when we put him to bed, he'd get 1/2 hr to read before lights out. That was a big plus. Plus, we'd show him how we read at night before lights out. Mostly, it's going to take practice and consistency, which will be hard if he's not with you all the time. Maybe you could email him tests...give him reading assignments and tell him you'll read the same book and then you guys can talk about it when you're done. But it's really really hard if you can't be there with him and do this on a regular basis. But maybe you can encourage him and give "prizes" when he keeps it up or makes a good grade. Maybe he just needs someone to show their belief in him? Anyway, I hope this helps!!

Good luck to him and to you too!
T.

I am truly sympathic with your situation...my daughter is 9...in her school they have 1-12 multiplication facts memorized and working on mastering their division...reading should be age appropriate/grade level appropriate chapter books...I understand you want to greatly him...but I would limit the work to 20 to 30 minutes a day...and just pray the situation gets better...my heart goes out to you and him

I would go to http://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com/Curriculum/MMM/MMM.htm, and scroll to nearly the bottom of the page. There is a chart of what level to start with your child. After you assess from the few questions there, you can order from him online, or go to Home Educators Resource in Lewisville or Duncanville, and purchase the teacher and student books ($40 total for both books). This curriculum has been very helpful for me teaching my daughter and son at home, and I learned about it from a private school elementary teacher that just raves about it. There may not be "enough" you can do in two weeks to really catch him up, but it's something to get started, and maybe it's something he'll decide he wants to do on his own (I know... hahahahaha... but when my kids want to do school, they always ask for Math first, and we've always used this curriculum!) Good luck! Also, depending on how accessible he is to you at other times, you could offer to tutor him? or pay for a tutor for him, and use this curriculum? Just some thoughts :)

Go to Teacher's Tools off Grapevine Hwy in Hurst. And at least get him multiplication flashcards. Mine's in 3rd grade, I would have him read chapter books out loud at first so you can see how well he reads. And if he reads good, I would just have him read 20-30 min a day. Thats what we do. I feel your pain, we have a math tutor once a week, cause we come really close to failing.

Hi K.,

I taught 4th grade for 2 years in CA, so the standards are probably a little different. It's still the beginning of the year so it's kind of hard to tell what's been taught so far. I would go get a "What my 3rd grader should know book" (or 4th)and go through that, since she won't give you the books. Or you can contact his teacher and ask her what he needs the most help with. He should know all multiplication because it's taught in 3rd grade, but many 4th graders don't. I struggled w/ making my class learn them. Division is introduced in 4th, but w/out multiplication, he will fail miserably.

W/ reading: start w/ having him read to you to see how well he reads and comprehends. Yes, he should be able to read and comprehend an age-appropriate book. The Series of Unfortanate Events books were popular w/ my boys.

Check out this site, it has a lot of useful information: http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/grades/98/98

Hopefully, it'll help to give you some good ideas. Maybe instead of you "teaching" him while he's here, you can incorporate these lessons into some type of play. My daughter is younger, but that's what we do, when we're trying to teach her something - and it seems to work well.

Good luck to you!

From a teacher's perspective... by the end of 3rd grade they should have their multiplication table memorized up through the 12's. They should be doing addition and subtraction up to 4 digits. Division is okay. They don't really start that until 4th grade anyways.
Yes, they should be able to read by themselves. But, it is good for them to read to you out loud so you can make sure that they are understanding what they are reading (ask open ended questions). Also, so they learn to stop and take a breath at periods, etc.

Oh my gosh why would we laugh? That's a serious problem! I remember when I was in third grade (I was 8 years old), we learned multiplication tables up to 12x12, and we also learned how to divide, and moved on to long division in 4th grade. I also remember reading chapter books when I was 8, but I've always been a bookworm so I don't know if that's 'typical' for an 8- or 9-year-old. If that's not where his interests lie, then he may not read a lot.

It does sound like he may need a little extra help. Have you thought about trying something like a Hooked on Phonics or Hooked on Numbers? Since his mom won't send his books, you could probably get things like that to have at your house, hopefully something that feels fun or like a game so that he can learn but not feel like he's totally lost his vacation. But, for his mom to say that he doesn't need to try at all doesn't seem right. Is he enjoying school and his teachers?

Well, my kids are not that age yet, so I don't feel like I'm THAT qualified to offer advice, but I did want to at least try to answer your question as far as what kids SHOULD have learned by that age, because I do remember 3rd grade very well (my favorite teacher ever!), so I just wanted to share what I remember learning.

Hi K.,

My daughter is also nine and in the 4th grade so I will try to compare what she can do to what you asked about (and I'll add that she got all A's on her report card last week so I feel confident she's on grade level or above). In math, she is doing more and more multiplication work but it is not necessarily memorized. Her teacher is teaching her strategies for each set plus each student has a multiplication chart on their desks to refer to. My daughter's teacher said the repitition of so much math work over the course of the year will start to cement the multiplication facts in the kids' minds. My recommendation as a teacher myself (2nd grade but staying home to be a mom) if you want to memorize the facts, move on to 10's next then 5's. Go back to 3's and 4's and then 9's. Help him remember that nine times something is the same thing as 10 times something minus the other number. EX: 9 x 8 is the same thing as 10 x 8 - 8. It usually helps kids to think of it this way because they learn their 10's so easily.
As far as reading, if he is on grade level he should definitely be able to read independently for pleasure and comprehend what he's reading. If he is behind, then have him read aloud and discuss the characters, setting, predictions about coming chapters, etc. One good way to tell if a book is too hard, if on the first page there are more than three words he has trouble reading, it's too hard.
One other thing you didn't really mention, he MUST develop his writing skills because he will be taking the TAKS writing test in the spring (assuming he's in Texas).
Bottom line is it will be tough to fit in everything he needs in two weeks so don't overdo it. Hopefully his teachers are being adamant with his mother than he needs some intervention.
Best wishes hope all goes well.

G.

oh, forgot to mention, her teacher is very slowly introducing division right now so I wouldn't stress too much about that

Hi K.,

As a 4th grade teacher, I can tell you that your step son should know all his multiplication facts up to the 12's. This should have been taught in 3rd grade. He should also be able to do 2 digit X 2 digit multiplication problems by now. We just started division this week. He should be able to do the division problems that directly relate to multiplication facts. (fact families). Don't worry about long division quite yet. Try mathisfun.com for multiplication practice.

As far as reading, yes, he should be able to read age appropriate chapter books on his own. It's still ok for him to read aloud to you, but he should be capable of reading independently as well.

Hope this helps. Let me know you need any other internet resources or have any other questions.

A.

Hi K., it does sound like your step son is struggling. I encourage to have a meeting with the school/teacher or have his Dad call a meeting. My daughter is in the third grade and most of her classmates have been reading chapter books since the 1st grade (many are reading Harry Potter series this year) and they are now working on multiplication/division, logic problems.

He may have an undiagnosed learning difference which can be addressed by the school once it is known.

I wish you the best of luck. You are a GREAT step mom for caring and being so in tune with him.

Hi K.. I have a 4th grader as well. He should be able to know his multiplication facts up to 12. So from 1x1 to 12x12. It will not happen overnight. It takes repetition. I would say a week or so. You can go buy flash cards or make them yourself. Right now my son's class is focusing more on multiplication instead of division. But, they have started the basic division. As far as reading...if he isn't able to read a Junie B. Jones book or Captain Underpants (these are funny and keep their attention) without stumbling over the words then he needs to be reading them to you or your husband out loud so you can help him. I have fun math websites that he can try out that might be more fun than "studying" on his break. Helping your child is difficult because you really have to be hands on these days. Not doing their work but being able to answer questions and help them work through it if they don't understand. I have one child that learns wasily and one child I have to help a little more so I can understand where you are coming from. Just remember to have patience because it won't be easy at first if he is behind.

www.funbrain.com
www.coolmath4kids.com

M.

who would laugh i was almost crying---yes he should be beyond that---go to mardel they have all kinds of curriculum there and there are other places if you want me to share that with you

K.,

You could also teach while you two are having fun. Maybe you two could cook a couple of recipes together. He could read it to you, and measure the ingredients. You could also read to him. During the story, you could tell him that you are having trouble with it, and ask for his help. Kids love to help.

If you would like any more ideas, just ask:)

I hope everything works out for you. That is very kind of you to be concerned about him. Especially if his mother isn't helping.