"Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1" reviews the best available evidence to offer five recommendations for developing the maths skills of 3-7-year olds. Recommendations include integrating maths into different activities throughout the day -- for example, at registration and snack time -- to familiarise children…

This third edition of the best-selling "Mathematics in Nursery Education" provides an accessible introduction to the teaching of mathematics in the early years. Covering all areas of mathematics learning--number and counting, calculation, pattern, shape, measures and data handling--it summarises the research findings and underlying key concepts…

Discoveries of Charles Babbage in the 1800s are described. Origins of the difference engine, his calculating machine, the principles of computation applied to tables, and the design and construction of his engine are included. (MNS)

Contrasts nominal, cardinal, and ordinal uses of numbers with linguistic and historical examples. (MKR)

The "positive-negative charge" model is described and demonstrated with all four operations on integers. Its major advantages are that it is both concrete and complete. (MNS)

Presents solutions for a problem concerning doubling a recipe from a previous article on number concepts in the October 1997 issue. (ASK)

Ways of using the calculator as a vehicle for investigating one aspect of the square root concept are illustrated. (MK)

A method of multiplying using fingers is described and an explanation given. The method is then generalized to other number bases. (MP)

Describes a program written in BASIC, called BIGNUM, that was designed to aid in handling big numbers. The program adds, subtracts, multiplies, divides, and raises to a power integers of up to 1024 decimal digits and is thought to be usable on many types of machines. (MP)

Thinking strategies that are related to counting are discussed and activities that are necessary for the understanding of number and counting are suggested. (Author/MP)

The article offers an interpretation of "specially designed instruction" in arithmetic computation for learning disabled students which challenges overreliance on paper-and-pencil methodologies, rule-oriented procedures, and traditional sequences. Long division is used as an example of developing conceptual understanding to undergird computation.…

Activities with number cards can provide a wide variety of exploratory experience. Sequences, addition, subtraction, counting and change, and arrays with number cards are discussed. (MNS)

The focus is on multi-step problems, with suggestions on helping students understand the mathematical relations, decide which computational procedures to use, and identify the sequence in which computations should be performed. An activity to aid understanding of variables is also included. (MNS)

The importance of having children manipulate small objects that can be grouped, arranged, and counted is discussed. Learning activities for one-to-one correspondence, numerals, and the four operations are given. (MNS)

Offers examples of loss of accuracy when using digital computing devices. Discusses causes for loss of accuracy and methods of preventing loss. Presents implications that loss of accuracy has for mathematics instruction. (MDH)