Math
Traditional vs. Friendly Number Algorithm-A False Dichotomy
Let me start off this post by saying that I do not think that this is necessary for all students but it may be necessary for some. After seeing a couple of students who still cannot not carry out the traditional division algorithm (including writing down the acronym D.M.S.B.-divide, multiply, subtract, bring down), I [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 3 so far )Number Strings
One technique or tool that I have been using this year with the students I educate, is the mini-lesson. Usually 10 minutes in length, they are designed to develop efficient mental math strategies. They are also designed to highlight certain strategies such as the distributive property.
Mini-lessons are generally done with the entire class. [...]
What Makes Mathematics Hard to Learn
A great post I found at The Pulse by Dr. Marvin Minsky. Makes you think about what we do and why we are doing it at the K-6 level of education.
Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Proportions
According to A Maths Dictionary for Kids 2008 a proportion can be defined as:
-a part to whole comparison
-the equality of two ratios, written [...]
The Distributive Property
Students should have a deep understanding of the distributive property. By understanding the distributive property, students will be able to manipulate the traditional algorithm and understand what is happening when using it.
The distributive property states:
When a number is multiplied by the sum of two other numbers, the first number can be handed out or [...]
81 Addition Pairs
I am working on a presentation for next week on a mathematics intervention program called Knowing Mathematics and I was thinking about the “Across-10 facts.” If students leave first grade not knowing these facts because they have not internalized them at that time do we just repeat the same procedure next year and the [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Solving 2-Step Equations
(Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com and free-clipart.net.)
It has got to be about the order of operations. Otherwise it will not work. Does that apply to all situations?
You Need Concept and Skill
This is part of an actual conversation during an “AIS” math class. If you are unfamiliar with “AIS,” it stands for Academic Intervention Services. The AIS math class is designed to help students who are struggling with various math concepts (we have ELA AIS as well). Most students end up in [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )National Mathematics Advisory Panel
About one week ago, and due out this week, the National Mathematics Advisory Panel has created a report that claims to have found the way to fix the math problems in the U.S.
The answer: “A laser-like focus on the essentials.”
It appears as if the recommendations include:
mastery of arithmetic in the early grades and fractions [...]
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