Expanded Notation
Students having difficulty reading large numbers? Try this super easy graph paper activity. CCSS: 1.NBT.2; 2.NBT.1
Number Theory: Square Numbers
Making rectangular arrays with tiles is a great visual way to have students understand multiplication as repeated addition. And since we’re making arrays anyway, why not tie in square numbers. A square number is: 1) A number that can be expressed as the product of the same two numbers. 2) The product of a number multiplied by itself. When making rectangluar arrays, square nuumbers (1, 4, 9, 16…) always make a square. Besides, there are some very neat patterns that…
Multiplication Arrays Around Us…and Division, Too
If you look close enough you’ll find yourself surrounded by multiplication arrays. An array is made up of horizontal rows and vertical columns. It’s a great, visual way to show multiplication as repeated addition or divisions as equal shares. For example, the top array shows two rows and three columns. The equations that represent this array are: 3 + 3; 3 x 2; 6/3. In a multiplication equation, we always say rows first, then columns. If you want to tie…
The Artistic Side of Math – Line Design
I love asking my upper elementary students to draw a curved line using only straight lines that are at least five inches in length. It stumps them. And that’s part of the fun. Because now I get to show them how to do it! This is a super easy lesson and great to keep in their desks to work on when they finish other work. Mounted on black construction paper, these look awesome on a bulletin board. Students use a…
PomPom Fractions – A CCSS Activity for Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders
Recent research points to a students’ early understanding of fractions as critical for later success in mathematics. We need to give our students plenty of hands-on experiences with fraction concepts along with meaningful dialogue about what they are learning. The photo above is an example of developing the idea that fractional parts of a whole unit need to be equal in size. If you feel the colors of the pom poms will get in the way of learning, supply students…