This report examines the importance and efficacy of oral language, literacy, mathematics, and science preschool curricula and how these curricula can be improved through alignment with research on early childhood development and learning. Detailed, research-driven recommendations are presented for what preschool-aged children should be learning in…

The problem of placing stamps on a grid is presented, with variable forms of the problem and various levels of the solution described. (MNS)

Presents three classification activities in which students work in cooperative small groups using physical materials to foster flexible thinking in doing mathematics. Concludes that attribute blocks are useful physical manipulatives for promoting classification activities and problem-solving skills. (ASK)

Techniques that can be used in solving various mathematical problems are illustrated by an optimization problem and the accompanying model and solution. (MP)

Descriptions are given of how groups aged 7, 10, and 13 tackled the problem of how many squares are on a chessboard. Teachers noted that often the less able children were the ones with ideas, whereas the able ones became impatient and were unwilling to go on trying. (MNS)

Some activities with geoboards done by pupils aged 10 and 11 are first reported, followed by an analysis and development of extended mathematical ideas. (MNS)

Specific instruction in different contexts provide needed background for solving addition and subtraction problems. The categories of problems and relative difficulties are presented, followed by an explanation of a successful instructional sequence. (MNS)

Eleven activities with a puzzle consisting of 12 five-square shapes are presented, with some solutions illustrated. (MNS)

Six algebra activities which use manipulative aids are described. The aids can be motivating, multipurpose, and individually manipulated by students. Some of the activities involve students in problem-solving practice and some can be revised to provide for students of differing ability levels. (JN)

Presents a lesson that introduces students to polarized light using a problem-solving approach. After illustrating the concept using a slinky and poster board with a vertical slot, students solve the problem of creating a polarized light show using Polya's problem-solving methods. (MDH)

A practicum intervention was designed and implemented over an 8-month period for the purpose of enhancing the mathematics-related cognitive and social interaction skills of primary school students in five kindergarten one pre-first, and seven first grade classrooms. Students interacted in group discussions and activities involving interest…

Index cards, masking tape, pizza shells, golf tees, and empty soda bottles can be used to make manipulative objects to be used in children's mathematics games. Twenty-two games that provide practice in number drills and problem solving are described, along with instructions for making objects needed for the games. (PP)

Counting books offer children the time and the tools to develop the understanding needed to solve problems. Stimulated by these books, children may use mathematic language and talk about mathematics as they get involved with materials to move and manipulate, as they use supportive aids found in illustrations, and as they interact with materials to…

A problem solving approach to the teaching of the Pythagorean Theorem is described. (SD)

Spatial concepts are important to the development of many skills, including reasoning and problem solving. Here are guidelines for making geometry learning more effective for elementary-grade students. (Editor)