Frequently Asked Questions For Educators
Does this book align with current math standards?
Yes, absolutely. The story, workbook, and free lesson presentation are all directly aligned with the Common Core State Standards for math, specifically Number & Operations in Base Ten (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.NBT.B.5). It focuses on strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and the relationship between addition and subtraction.
Get Mate and Rix Escape Bordeom paperback or FREE Kindle version.
How can I use this in my classroom?
Mate and Rix is the perfect “math mentor text.” You can use it to:
1) Launch your addition unit to get students excited and introduce the concept visually.
2) Support your math talk/number talk by referring back to how Mate and Rix “bundled” their tens.
3) Help struggling learners in a small group setting, using the story to re-teach the concept in a new way.
4) Get the FREE lesson presentation! It’s a ready-to-use slideshow that walks your class through the entire process, using the book’s characters and strategies.
Is there a resource for teachers?
Yes! The book includes a free Parent and Teacher Math Strategy Guide in the back that breaks down the partial sum algorithm. We also offer a free downloadable lesson presentation on the website to use in your classroom.
Is there a structured resource for my students to practice the math strategies from the book?
Absolutely! To help your students transition from the story to mastery, we have created the Mate and Rix Escape Boredom Workbook. This companion resource features Mate and Rix and uses a stage-by-stage process to guide students through the complexities of double-digit addition and regrouping. It provides clear, step-by-step practice for place value and partial-sum addition, making it an ideal tool for reinforcing classroom lessons.
You can order the workbook for your classroom on Amazon here: Mate and Rix Escape Boredom Workbook.
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
Why is my child learning addition this way? I just “carried the one.”
That’s a great question! The “carry the one” method is a fast shortcut, but it often hides why it works. Many children (and adults!) don’t realize that the “one” they are “carrying” is actually a group of ten.
Another method, like the “partial sums” algorithm shown in Mate and Rix, focus on place value first. By adding the tens (e.g., 20 + 30) and the ones (e.g., 5 + 7) separately before combining them, kids build a much deeper, more confident understanding of what the numbers truly represent. This foundation makes future math, like multiplication and division, much easier.
Get Mate and Rix Escape Bordeom paperback or FREE Kindle version.
My child is frustrated and crying over math homework. How can a storybook help?
Math anxiety is real, and it often starts when a child feels pressured to find one “right” answer. A storybook changes the entire dynamic. It removes the pressure of a worksheet and replaces it with a fun, engaging way to use “math talk.”
Mate and Rix turns an abstract process (double-digit addition) into a concrete, visual goal (building a fort with bundles of ten). This non-threatening approach lowers anxiety, builds confidence, and helps the concept “click” in a way that drills often can’t.
What is the “partial sum algorithm” mentioned in the book’s guide?
It’s just a simple, clear way of writing down the place value method. Instead of “carrying” a tiny ‘1’ and hoping they remember it, kids break the problem apart into its “partial sums”:
For a problem like 25 + 17:
You first add the tens: 20 + 10 = 30 (This is the first partial sum)
Then you add the ones: 5 + 7 = 12 (This is the second partial sum)
Finally, you add the sums together: 30 + 12 = 42
What age is this book best for?
Mate and Rix Escape Boredom is ideal for children in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade (ages 5-9). It’s most popular with 2nd-grade parents and teachers, as this is the exact time when double-digit addition with regrouping is formally introduced in most schools.
My child usually finds math boring; how will the Mate and Rix Escape Boredom Workbook help them learn foundational skills?
This workbook transforms standard, repetitive math drills into an engaging, imagination-led adventure. By joining beloved characters Mate and Rix in fun activities, your child will develop a solid understanding of essential math foundations—including place value, expanded notation, and multi-digit computation.
These exercises are specifically designed to help kids calculate correct totals while building mental math strategies and algebraic reasoning. By turning learning into a blast, the workbook keeps children motivated and helps them gain the math confidence they need to achieve more than they could with a standard curriculum alone.
Does the workbook cover anything besides addition?
Yes! The Mate and Rix Escape Boredom Workbook is designed to be a multi-dimensional learning tool. It features a curriculum extension at the back of the book that incorporates cross-curricular learning, allowing your child to apply their math skills to a variety of other subjects.
Instead of just repetitive drills, this section engages children with:
1) History & Civics: Learning about the history of the penny and the US Mint.
2) Science: Exploring copper penny chemistry through hands-on discovery.
3) Games & Logic: Interactive activities like a pet store game and timeline exercises.
4) Literacy: Practical grammar practice and other creative educational ideas.
This approach helps your child develop critical thinking skills by showing them how math connects to the real world, ensuring they stay motivated and excited to learn.