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 MOREThe Doubling Strategy for Multiplication
The doubling strategy is great for multiplication! What strategies could you use to solve this problem mentally? What strategies would your students use? When I pose this problem to teachers in professional learning sessions, many mental strategies get revealed. Here are just a few that are often shared. “Double sixteen, then double the result.” “Multiply […]
READ MOREVisual Models in Mathematics: Using Graphic Organisers to Build Powerful Ideas
Graphic organisers build powerful ideas in the mathematics classroom This article is the last of a four-part series on Visual Models in Mathematics. Read this post and check out the other articles in our series: Maths visual models such as counters, cubes, base-ten blocks, number lines, and a wide range of measurement and geometry materials […]
READ MOREVisual Models in Mathematics: The Importance of a Number Line
The number line: A powerful tool in the primary maths classroom Simple tools have been used to help make giant leaps to understand or explain new ideas in science, mathematics, and technology. One of the more important “inventions” for mathematics has been the number line. About 2,500 years ago the Ancient Egyptians could be credited […]
READ MOREVisual Models in Mathematics: The First Classroom Examples
What Is a Visual Model in Maths? A maths visual model consists of materials (mostly with pictures or images) to help interpret the numbers. Using visual materials and manipulatives as classroom maths models took time to develop. Primary Mathematics Textbooks In 1821 Warren Colburn published the first arithmetic book that was designed to be used […]
READ MOREVisual Models in Mathematics: The First Images
The first visual models in mathematics were numerals Mathematics is frequently associated with symbols, number sentences, and formulae. However, the first practical examples of mathematics involved three dimensional or pictorial images that had some everyday meaning for the people working with the ideas. Symbols were not used very much. The symbols that were used usually […]
READ MOREThink Multiplication to Make Division Facts Easy
The think-multiplication strategy is the key for learning the division facts with ease! Division facts. They just may be the most challenging of the number facts to learn. But they don’t have to be challenging at all. Using the think-multiplication strategy is the key! Students who know the multiplication and division facts and who understand […]
READ MOREEffective Strategies for Mastering the Nines and Sixes
The nines and sixes multiplication facts are a breeze with the build-down and build-up strategies! The nines and sixes multiplication facts are sometimes considered harder to learn than the other basic facts. With the right foundation and the multiplication strategies described in this article, they can be a breeze! Let’s start with the foundation. Fluent […]
READ MORESkip the Skip-Counting Strategy for the Fives Facts – The Use-Tens Strategy is Better!
The use-tens strategy for multiplication For over a decade I’ve had the privilege of working alongside teachers to carefully consider the most effective ways to teach their students maths concepts and skills. One skill that teachers have described as challenging for students is fluently recalling the fives multiplication facts. When I investigate further, I often […]
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