Making Mathematics Enjoyable for Young Learners I didn’t particularly like maths in primary school. There were too many rules and procedures to remember and problems lacked contexts that had any real meaning for me. Although I could remember and reproduce some procedures, I didn’t really understand much of it, so I found maths quite […]
READ MORESharing Little Gems of Maths Understanding!
Gems of maths understanding or ‘ah-ha’ moments are often similar for teachers regardless of their location Over the past 25 years, I have been very fortunate that my business has given me the opportunity to travel and work in several countries. During this time, I have delivered thousands of hours of professional learning to help […]
READ MORELanguage in Mathematics: Questioning as an Active Thinking Maths Strategy
Questioning as an Active Thinking Maths Strategy Questioning, the second of the three research-based strategies covered in this series on language in mathematics, is effective in generating active engagement in class. Techniques for questioning help clarify and deepen the understanding of a focused maths topic, but for many students, questioning is not instinctive. Teachers who model […]
READ MORELanguage in Mathematics: Maths Literacy Strategies
Maths Literacy Strategy Activity #1: Activating prior knowledge and using schema to make predictions Over the years, elementary teachers in non-maths subjects have made great use of research-based literacy strategies. These strategies increase reading comprehension by asking students to explore connections between what they’re reading and their previous experiences, background, or prior knowledge. The question […]
READ MOREUsing Language Stages to Guide the Development of Concepts – Addition
The Language Stages Over 30 years ago, I worked with students who were experiencing difficulties with problem solving and generally applying mathematics. From that work and my continued focus on helping all students succeed with mathematics, it became apparent that the language students know is a major factor in their success. In order to build […]
READ MORELanguage in Mathematics: Visualisation and Modelling as Math Strategies
Visualisation and modelling as active thinking maths strategies Visualisation and modelling is the third and final research-based strategy covered in this series. When students use or recall objects, pictures, or models during and after their maths study, they are better able to explain their understanding to peers, parents and teachers. Visualisation and models also […]
READ MOREProblem-Solving: Using the Right Problem at the Right Time to Challenge Students
This article is the first in a four-part series on problem-solving. Remember Goldilocks? She was looking for “just right” as she rummaged through the house of the three bears. As teachers, we’re also looking for “just right.” How do we offer our students mathematical challenges which are “just right?” This question applies to the classroom […]
READ MOREMaking Subtraction Efficient – Just Think Addition!
Students who are efficient with the count-on, use-doubles, and make-ten strategies for addition have all they need to be proficient with subtraction number facts! Subtraction is the inverse, or opposite action, of addition. Both operations involve a part-part-total structure. In the example below, 1 and 3 are two parts that make up the number 4. Parts of […]
READ MOREMake-Ten Strategy: Building a “Mind Picture” for the Make-Ten Addition Strategy
The make-ten strategy is great for addition! It helps students understand place value and the relationships between numbers. Ten-frames help students develop a good “mind picture” for the make-ten strategy because our place-value system is based on making groups of ten. These mind pictures help many kids to do mental maths with ease. They are […]
READ MOREThe Use-Doubles Strategy for Addition: Making it Easy and Fun for Your Students!
The use-doubles strategy for addition can be one that children struggle with in the beginning. It involves a deep understanding of the number system, and how to compose and decompose numbers in a flexible way. However, fear not my fellow educator! Here are some easy and fun ways to ensure your students succeed with this strategy […]
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