I love activities that are super simple yet pack a powerful punch. This is one of those. And the good news is, it can be done no matter what grade level you teach which means it lends itself well to differentiation. But the even better news is that it covers a lot of standards in a fun and engaging way. The main objective, however, is to teach the concept of equality in equations. (I should mention that one of my…
As I was thinking about my ‘What Do You Notice?’ poster for my Nifty Numbers Family Math Night event last night, it seemed natural to tie it in with numbers. So here’s the poster I created. As with all my ‘What Do You Notice’ posters, they can be “answered” on a variety of levels. This one can go all the way to algebraic equations. And that’s what makes them so much fun. Everyone can do them! What I loved about…
Mathematics has been described as the science of pattern. That’s because pattern is the foundation of all work done in math and is the thread that binds all parts of mathematics together. Through recognizing, describing, extending, and generalizing patterns in quantities, numbers, shapes, and space, we learn that there is a sense of order and predictability to math. We come to realize that the rules and procedures that we are so used to using actually evolved as efficient ways to…
Here’s a super simple activity that helps students to “see” multiplication facts. It’s also a great way for them to see the connection between addition and subtraction as they “use addition to find the total number of objects arranged in rectangular arrays” (CCSSM 2.OA.C.4) and to “interpret products of whole numbers” (CCSSM 3.OA.A.1). Using inch graph paper, have students make rectangular arrays and record the rows (horizontal) and columns (vertical) as multiplication equations. This is a good time to discuss…
Mathematical properties are actually quite useful when it comes to making sense of math. For example, the commutative property of addition helps make adding numbers a little easier. If we know that the order the numbers are added does not matter, then in the problem 2 + 9, adding the 2 onto the 9 is easier and more efficient than adding the 9 onto the 2. The Common Core State Standards in Mathematics requires all third grade students to know…