he can't remember simple rules like 3+1 is 4 because you go one up from three. However, if say the equation as a word problem, he can figure out the answer. I just don't get it.
It is frustrating, isn't it? My DD7 (for whom IMHO math is not a strong suit, although that may be my bias more than her reality) had the problem 20-17 earlier this evening, and set it up as a subtraction with borrowing problem. If she'd thought to use her toes, I don't doubt she'd have done it by counting.
Her 11-months-younger cousin (whom I'd consider to be much more gifted in math - both girls were working the same 2nd grade math workbooks on vacation) is a finger-counter for much simpler math problems.
If it bothers you, flash cards might help. I figure that DD will eventually have a compelling-to-her reason to learn her addition and subtraction facts, and then she'll learn them.
